జొన్న పెరిగితే జాడు, వరి పెరిగితే వడ్డు.
jonna perigite jadu, vari perigite vaddu.
If sorghum grows, it's just stalk; if rice grows, it's a harvest.
This proverb highlights the difference in productivity between crops. It means that tall growth in sorghum (jowar) doesn't necessarily mean high yield as it mostly results in fodder (stalk), whereas vigorous growth in paddy leads to a plentiful grain harvest at the bank. It is used metaphorically to say that appearances of growth or activity are only valuable if they result in actual substance or wealth.
Related Phrases
శిష్యుడు పెరిగితే గురువుకు మించిపోతాడు
shishyudu perigite guruvuku minchipotadu
If the disciple grows, he will surpass the teacher.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a student or protege excels to such an extent that they become more skilled, famous, or capable than their own mentor. It signifies the success of the teacher's guidance while acknowledging the exceptional talent of the pupil.
పెంటకుప్ప పెరిగితే, పేదరైతు పెద్దవాడగును.
pentakuppa perigite, pedaraitu peddavadagunu.
If the manure heap grows, the poor farmer becomes great.
This proverb highlights the importance of organic waste and manure in agriculture. It means that as a farmer accumulates more organic waste/manure (pentakuppa), the fertility of the land increases, leading to better yields and eventually making the farmer wealthy and successful. It emphasizes that hard work and the collection of resources, even those considered lowly, lead to prosperity.
వంశమెరిగి వనితను, వన్నె ఎరిగి పశువును కొనాలి.
vamshamerigi vanitanu, vanne erigi pashuvunu konali.
Check the lineage before marrying a woman; check the quality before buying cattle.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of verifying background and quality before making life-altering decisions. Just as one inspects the physical traits and health of livestock, one should understand the family values and upbringing (lineage) of a partner before marriage, as these factors significantly influence the future of a household.
మొదలు మునిగితే వడ్డి మునుగదా
modalu munigite vaddi munugada
If the principal amount is drowned, won't the interest be drowned too?
This proverb is used to illustrate that when the core foundation or the primary source of something is lost or destroyed, the secondary benefits or consequences associated with it will inevitably disappear as well. It is often applied in financial contexts or when discussing the root cause of a failure.
జొన్న పెరిగితే జాడు, వరి పెరిగితే వడ్లు.
jonna perigite jadu, vari perigite vadlu.
If sorghum grows tall it becomes fodder, if paddy grows it becomes grain.
This proverb is used to describe how growth affects different things differently. Just as sorghum (jonna) loses its grain value and becomes mere fodder (jaadu) when it grows excessively tall, but paddy (vari) yields more grain (vadlu), human endeavors or traits must be channeled correctly. It emphasizes that excessive growth in the wrong direction can be useless, while growth in the right context leads to productivity.
కూటికి జరిగితే కోటికి జరిగినట్లు
kutiki jarigite kotiki jariginatlu
If there is enough for food, it is as if there is a crore (ten million).
This proverb emphasizes the importance of basic sustenance and contentment. It suggests that if a person has enough resources to afford a meal or basic livelihood, they should feel as satisfied and secure as a person who possesses immense wealth. It is often used to counsel someone to be grateful for their basic needs being met.
వాసి తరిగితే వన్నె తరుగుతుంది.
vasi tarigite vanne tarugutundi.
If the quality decreases, the shine decreases.
This expression means that a person's reputation or outward respect depends entirely on their character or the quality of their work. If one's inner worth or standard of work (vasi) declines, their fame and public standing (vanne) will automatically diminish.
జరిగితే జల్లెడతో నీళ్ళు మోస్తారు.
jarigite jalledato nillu mostaru.
If things go their way, they will even carry water in a sieve.
This expression is used to describe a streak of extreme good luck or high efficiency where even the impossible becomes possible. It suggests that when a person is in a favorable period or possesses great skill/determination, they can achieve success against all odds, metaphorically carrying water in a leaky sieve.
కీలెరిగి వాత, వీలెరిగి మాటు
kilerigi vata, vilerigi matu
Burning the joint after knowing it, and waiting for the right moment after knowing the convenience.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing and precision. It suggests that one should understand the root of a problem or the specific situation (the joint) before acting (cauterizing/burning), and should wait for the most opportune moment to strike or make a move.
ఇనుము విరిగితే అతకవచ్చును గాని, మనసు విరిగితే అతకకూడదు.
inumu virigite atakavachchunu gani, manasu virigite atakakudadu.
If iron be broken it may be united, but if friendship be broken it cannot be healed. Broken friendship may be soldered, but never made sound. (Spanish.)
This proverb emphasizes the fragility of human relationships and emotions. While physical objects like iron can be repaired or welded back together after breaking, the trust and affection in a relationship, once shattered, can never truly be restored to its original state. It serves as a warning to be careful with one's words and actions to avoid hurting others deeply.