దూరం గుడి కడితే (చంద్రుని చుట్టూ) దగ్గర వాన, దగ్గర కడితే దూరపు వాన.

duram gudi kadite (chandruni chuttu) daggara vana, daggara kadite durapu vana.

Translation

If a halo forms far around the moon, rain is near; if it forms near, rain is far.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu weather-lore proverb. It suggests that a large, wide halo around the moon indicates immediate rainfall, whereas a tight, small halo indicates that rain is still a long way off. It is used to predict weather based on atmospheric observations.

Related Phrases

Like playing a Veena in front of a male buffalo.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one's efforts, talents, or advice are wasted on someone who cannot appreciate or understand them. It is similar to the English idiom 'Casting pearls before swine.'

Like searching for gold while already possessing it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone overlooks a valuable resource or solution they already possess and goes searching for it elsewhere. It highlights human nature's tendency to ignore the obvious or the available while yearning for the same thing from external sources.

One should not be shy or hesitant when it comes to food and business.

This proverb suggests that in certain situations, being overly modest or shy can lead to personal loss. Specifically, when eating (so you get enough to satisfy your hunger) and when conducting business or legal matters (so you ensure your interests are protected), you must be direct and outspoken.

He said 'brother' to the axe blow

This expression describes a situation where someone suddenly becomes humble, respectful, or starts calling an enemy 'brother' only when faced with an immediate, life-threatening danger or severe punishment. It is used to mock people who only show manners or submission when they are under duress.

Whether death approaches or a wife approaches, one loses their mind.

This proverb highlights two extremes where a person loses their rational thinking or common sense: when facing imminent death (due to fear and panic) and when overwhelmed by lust or infatuation. It is used to describe situations where a person acts irrationally under the influence of extreme fear or intense desire.

The words spoken at the graveyard do not remain at the dinner table.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of philosophical realizations or remorse. People often express deep wisdom or regret during somber moments (like a funeral), but quickly return to their usual habits and desires once they are back in the comfort of their daily lives.

When the temple is near, the gravity (respect) becomes distant.

This proverb highlights the tendency of humans to undervalue things or people that are easily accessible or familiar. It suggests that proximity often leads to a loss of reverence or appreciation, similar to the English expression 'Familiarity breeds contempt.'

The lock is with you, the key is with me.

In Telugu, 'Chevi' can mean both 'ear' and 'key'. This expression refers to a situation where two parties must cooperate because they each hold a vital part of a solution, or more colloquially, it describes a situation where authority or access is divided, preventing any one person from acting independently.

If they are with kings they are gems, if they are with the poor they are just pebbles.

This proverb highlights how society perceives the same object or quality differently based on a person's status or wealth. When a powerful or rich person possesses something, it is highly valued and praised, but when a poor person has the same thing, it is often dismissed as worthless or ordinary. It is used to describe social bias and the unfair weight given to status.

The village is far, the graveyard is near.

This expression is used to describe someone who is reaching the very end of their life or is extremely old. It signifies that their connection to the living world (the village) is fading, while their transition to death (the graveyard) is imminent.