గుమ్మడికాయంత తెలివికంటే, గురిగింజంత అదృష్టం మేలు

gummadikayanta telivikante, guriginjanta adrishtam melu

Translation

A tiny seed's worth of luck is better than a pumpkin's worth of intelligence

Meaning

This proverb highlights that even immense intelligence or talent can sometimes be overshadowed by a small amount of good fortune. It is used to describe situations where hard work and wisdom fail to achieve what a lucky break manages to accomplish instantly.

Related Phrases

Like worrying over a lost mustard seed while being unaware of the lost pumpkin.

This proverb describes a person who stresses over trivial, minor losses or details while completely ignoring a much larger, more significant problem or loss. It is used to point out a lack of perspective or misplaced priorities.

A pair is better than being alone

This proverb emphasizes the value of companionship and cooperation. It suggests that two people working together or supporting each other is always better and more effective than a person acting alone. It is often used to encourage marriage, partnership, or teamwork.

If one owns land the size of a mustard seed, they will face a hole the size of a pumpkin.

This proverb highlights the burdens and complications that come with property ownership. It suggests that even the smallest amount of asset or land brings disproportionately large problems, taxes, or disputes along with it.

If the plant is as small as a measuring bowl during the Magha rain, it will produce a pumpkin as large as a pot by Kartika.

This agricultural proverb highlights the relationship between seasonal rains and crop yields. It suggests that if a plant gets a good start during the Magha Nakshatram (rainy period), it will grow robustly and yield a massive harvest by the Kartika season.

She doesn't remember where the pumpkin was lost, but when a mustard seed was lost, she begged and ate.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely careless or indifferent about significant losses but makes a huge fuss over trivial or insignificant things. It is used to mock someone's lack of perspective or misplaced priorities.

If the dream bears fruit, the luck is ours.

This expression is used to signify that if one's aspirations or goals are successfully realized, it is a sign of great fortune. It is often used when a long-held ambition or a positive vision finally comes true, attributing the success to a blend of destiny and achievement.

Good luck doesn't come by informing, bad luck doesn't leave by informing.

This proverb highlights the unpredictable nature of fate. It means that good fortune often arrives unexpectedly without prior notice, and similarly, misfortune or bad times do not give a warning before they depart or arrive. It is used to suggest that one should remain humble during success and hopeful during hard times.

A fingernail-sized fortune is better than a mountain-sized intelligence.

This proverb highlights the practical reality that sometimes a little bit of wealth or resources can be more immediately useful than vast knowledge or intelligence without any means to apply it. It is often used to emphasize that even small financial stability can provide more security than mere cleverness in difficult times.

An anus as big as a pumpkin for a common sparrow.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's arrogance, ego, or demands are vastly disproportionate to their actual status, size, or capability. It highlights the absurdity of an insignificant person having an oversized attitude or problem.

Like a mustard seed in a pumpkin

This expression is used to describe a situation where the work accomplished or the progress made is insignificantly small compared to the magnitude of the task remaining. It highlights a vast disproportion between what was intended or required and what was actually achieved.