ఏరూరి వ్యవసాయం ఉండూరి వైద్యం

This proverb highlights that certain situations are inherently problematic and difficult to manage. Just as shared farming leads to disputes over labor and yield, having two wives in one household traditionally leads to constant domestic conflict and lack of peace.

This proverb refers to a situation involving a personal or embarrassing problem that is kept hidden from the public, and is being handled by a close relative or a confidant in a secretive or potentially unqualified manner. It is used to describe matters that are kept 'within the family' to avoid social stigma, often implying that the solution might be makeshift or that the secrecy adds to the complexity of the issue.

This proverb highlights the essential elements for success in traditional rural life. It suggests that just as an ox is indispensable for productive agriculture, a cooperative and understanding wife is the foundation for a harmonious and successful domestic life.

This proverb highlights that agriculture is an extremely demanding and difficult profession. It suggests that if one is willing to endure the hardship and toil (metaphorically represented by 'crying'), there is endless work to be done. It is used to describe the relentless nature of farming and the physical or emotional toll it takes on a person.

This proverb emphasizes that farming is only sustainable and profitable for those who possess the necessary resources, specifically grain (seed/wealth) and livestock (labor/manure). It is used to suggest that success in any venture requires having the essential fundamental assets.

This proverb highlights that investing effort or resources in an unproductive or unsuitable environment will yield no results. Just as farming on dry, elevated mound soil (pati) is futile because it cannot hold water, working on a flawed plan or in a hopeless situation will not even cover basic necessities.

This proverb refers to Kolleru Lake, which is prone to sudden floods. While the land is fertile, farming there is highly risky. If floods occur, the cattle used for plowing often get stuck in the mud or drown, leading to their death. It is used to describe ventures where the potential for gain is overshadowed by the high risk of losing one's primary assets or livelihoods.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme embarrassment and awkwardness where one is forced to discuss or show a private, shameful problem to a relative with whom such intimacy is culturally inappropriate or taboo. It is used to highlight situations involving great hesitation and the inability to seek help due to the delicate nature of the relationship.

This proverb describes a situation where someone starts a task or venture with great enthusiasm and careful planning, only to face an immediate, unexpected disaster that ruins everything at the very beginning. It is used to express irony when bad luck strikes right when one is most prepared.

This proverb highlights the inefficiency and loss associated with managing tasks or assets from a distance. Just as working as a laborer or farming land in a distant village involves high costs, travel time, and lack of direct supervision, the expenses and efforts end up consuming the person's resources ('eating them up') rather than providing a livelihood or profit ('you don't eat them'). It is used to advise against taking up ventures where one cannot exercise direct control or where overheads exceed returns.