దీపావళికి దీపమంత చలి!

dipavaliki dipamanta chali!

Translation

By Diwali, the cold is as small as a lamp's flame.

Meaning

This expression describes the seasonal transition in the Telugu states. It signifies that by the time of the Diwali festival, the winter season is just beginning to set in, and the cold is mild or minimal, metaphorically compared to the small heat or size of a lamp's flicker.

Related Phrases

Deepavali rains cross to other islands/continents.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb implying that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains are so widespread and persistent that they affect vast regions and potentially cross geographical boundaries. It signifies a period of heavy, extensive monsoon activity.

Like a lamp under a whetstone.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is darkness or ignorance right at the base of a source of light or knowledge. It refers to someone who is very close to a person of greatness or wisdom, yet remains uninfluenced or unaware of that excellence, similar to how the area directly beneath a lamp remains in shadow.

A lamp under a torch. One insignificant before the other.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller or less significant thing is overshadowed or ignored in the presence of something much larger or brighter. It can also refer to someone who provides light or guidance to others but remains in darkness or unrecognized themselves, similar to the English idiom 'The cobbler's children go barefoot.'

If you kiss a lamp just because it is yours, won't your mouth get burnt?

This proverb highlights that certain things are inherently dangerous or have consequences regardless of our affection or ownership. It is used to caution someone that being close to or protecting a wrongdoer, even if they are a loved one or family member, will eventually result in harm to oneself.

Deepavali rains cross to the other side of the island.

This is a traditional agricultural and weather-related proverb. It means that if it rains during the Deepavali festival season, the rains will be so widespread and heavy that they reach far-off lands or 'cross the oceans'. It is often used to signify the intensity and far-reaching nature of the Northeast monsoon in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh.

The woman of the house is the lamp of the home.

This expression highlights the importance of a woman (wife/mother) in maintaining the harmony, prosperity, and happiness of a family. Just as a lamp dispels darkness, a virtuous woman is seen as the light that guides and sustains the household.

Will the darkness go away without placing a lamp nearby?

This proverb emphasizes that problems do not solve themselves and ignorance does not vanish without effort. Just as light is required to dispel darkness, active initiative or the light of knowledge is necessary to overcome obstacles or lack of understanding. It is used to suggest that one must take the necessary steps to achieve a result.

A lamp under a torch

This expression is used to describe a situation where a smaller, less significant thing or person is overshadowed or made redundant by something much larger or superior. It can also refer to something being unnoticeable or unnecessary in the presence of a much greater light or talent.

While the mother-in-law was licking empty pots because there was no food, the son-in-law arrived and asked for Diwali celebrations.

This proverb describes a situation where someone makes extravagant demands or expects celebration from a person who is currently struggling to even meet their basic necessities. It is used to highlight the insensitivity or lack of awareness of someone's poor circumstances.

The lamp (wick) is of the size of a nail; illumination the size of a hill.

Even a small lamp can give a wide glow. Physical size does not always lead to insignificant actions. It is the largeness of purpose that makes the act big.