గాలివాటం చూసి తూర్పారబట్టాలి
galivatam chusi turparabattali
Winnow the grain only after observing the wind direction.
This proverb advises individuals to act according to the prevailing circumstances or to seize the right opportunity. Just as a farmer waits for the wind to separate chaff from grain, one should evaluate the environment and timing before making a move to ensure success.
Related Phrases
విశాఖ చూచి విడవకురా కొంప, ఉత్తర చూచి ఎత్తర గంప
vishakha chuchi vidavakura kompa, uttara chuchi ettara gampa
Don't leave your home seeing Vishakha; pack your basket seeing Uttara.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon season and lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that one shouldn't lose hope or abandon their home if it doesn't rain during the Vishakha season, but if it rains during the Uttara season, it is a sign of a bountiful harvest, and one should get their baskets ready to collect the produce. It is used to advise patience and readiness based on seasonal changes.
గడియారం చూచి గడాలు కట్టిస్తారా?
gadiyaram chuchi gadalu kattistara?
Will they build a fort just by looking at a clock?
This proverb is used to criticize people who make big plans or talk about massive undertakings while focusing only on the timing or superficial details without putting in the actual labor or having the resources. It highlights that planning (watching the clock) is useless without the actual execution (building the fort).
లేకుండా చూచి పోకుండా పట్టు అన్నాడట.
lekunda chuchi pokunda pattu annadata.
If you see he's not there, catch him and don't let him go. Said by a cowardly man to another with reference to a thief.
This is a humorous proverb used to describe someone giving nonsensical, contradictory, or impossible instructions. It mocks people who demand results while imposing conditions that make the task impossible, or those who speak in riddles that lack practical logic.
రోటిని చూచి పాట పాడాలి.
rotini chuchi pata padali.
One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.
This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'
తల్లిని చూచి పిల్లనూ, పాడిని చూచి బర్రెనూ తీసుకోవలెను
tallini chuchi pillanu, padini chuchi barrenu tisukovalenu
Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.
This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే గదా తూర్పార పట్టుకోవలెను
gali vachchinappude gada turpara pattukovalenu
Is it not when the wind blows that you must winnow ?
This is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'. It advises people to seize opportunities when they arise and make the most of favorable circumstances while they last.
Strike while the iron is hot. Take time while time is, for time will away.
కన్నుచూచి కాటుక, పిట్టచూచి పీట.
kannuchuchi katuka, pittachuchi pita.
Applying mascara after seeing the eye; placing a seat after seeing the bird.
This expression refers to performing an action or making a decision based on the specific context, status, or capacity of the person involved. It suggests that one should offer resources, respect, or tasks in proportion to the individual's merit or needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
ఉత్తర చూచి ఎత్తర గంప
uttara chuchi ettara gampa
Take up your basket [of seed ] when you see [the sun in] Uttara. Uttara is one of the twenty-seven lunar mansions. When the sun is in Uttara there is invariably rain, and seed is then sown. Make hay while the sun shines. Know your opportunity. (Latin.)
Uttara is a specific Vedic rain star (Nakshatra). This proverb is used in an agricultural context, suggesting that when the Uttara rain arrives, it is time to harvest and pack the produce in baskets. It signifies being ready to reap the rewards of one's hard work at the right moment.
గాలి వచ్చినప్పుడే తూర్పారబట్టుకోవాలి
gali vachchinappude turparabattukovali
Winnow the grain while the wind blows.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of making the most of a favorable situation or opportunity while it lasts. It is equivalent to the English expression 'Make hay while the sun shines'.
గాలి ఉన్నప్పుడే తూర్పారబట్టుకోవాలి
gali unnappude turparabattukovali
Winnow while the wind blows
This expression emphasizes the importance of seizing an opportunity while it is available. In agricultural terms, farmers winnow grain when there is a breeze to separate the chaff; similarly, one should complete their work while circumstances are favorable. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'.