గొట్టిలు గుంపు కూడితే (కట్టితే), గొప్పవాన.

gottilu gumpu kudite (kattite), goppavana.

Translation

If the 'gottilu' (black ants) gather in groups, it will rain heavily.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu weather-related proverb or observation. It suggests that when a specific type of large black ants (gottilu) are seen clustering together or moving in large groups, it serves as a natural indicator that heavy rainfall is imminent. It reflects the ancient practice of predicting weather through animal and insect behavior.

Related Phrases

If a hen shakes its wings, a heavy rain is coming.

This is a traditional Telugu folk observation or weather lore. It suggests that when a hen vigorously flaps or shakes its wings to clear dust or feathers, it is an omen of an impending heavy downpour. It is used to describe natural signs that predict future events.

A bird of specific feathers joins the same group.

Similar to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together,' this expression is used to describe how people with similar characters, interests, or backgrounds naturally gravitate towards each other.

Monkey troops and the ruined Kodavaluru

This expression is used to describe a place or situation that is chaotic, disorganized, or completely ruined due to the interference of too many mischievous or unqualified people. It signifies total disorder where nothing productive remains.

Is Hanuman's devotion greater, or Rama's form?

This expression is used to highlight a philosophical debate where the depth of devotion (Bhakti) is compared against the divinity of the Godhead (Roopam). It is often used to suggest that the power of a true devotee can sometimes overshadow the fame of the deity they serve, or to point out a situation where choosing between two equally great qualities is impossible.

If the paddy field is ready to be harvested, the rain is great (ironic)

This expression is used to describe an event that happens at the most inconvenient or destructive time possible. Just as rain ruins a crop that is ready for harvest, it refers to a situation where a positive occurrence becomes a disaster due to its timing.

Is the sword sharp or the pen ?

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'The pen is mightier than the sword.' It is used to provoke a debate or emphasize that intellectual power and writing can have a more significant and lasting impact on society than physical force or violence.

The pen in the hand of the strong is more powerful than the sword. A goose-quill is more dangerous than a lion's claw.

When the masons built a mansion, it collapsed just because a dog's leg touched it.

This expression is used to mock people who do a poor quality job or make grand claims about their work when it is actually fragile and lacks a strong foundation. It highlights incompetence where even a minor, insignificant touch or obstacle causes the entire effort to fail.

If it rains during the Vishakha Karthe, it is like giving poison.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansion (Karthe) system. It suggests that rainfall during the Vishakha period (usually occurring in November) is detrimental to crops that are ready for harvest, effectively acting like poison and destroying the yield.

When asked why the donkey was running, it said 'I joined the herd and my fear vanished.'

This proverb describes a situation where an individual gains artificial courage or confidence simply by being part of a group, even if they lack individual strength or purpose. It is used to mock someone who acts bold only when supported by a crowd.

Is the business of importance or are the means ?

This proverb is used to emphasize that results (the task accomplished) are more important than mere strength or ego. It suggests that one should focus on getting the work done successfully rather than boasting about one's power or status.