కడవేరు మిగిలినా గరిక చిగుర్చక మానదు

kadaveru migilina garika chigurchaka manadu

Translation

Even if only the tip of the root remains, the Garika grass will not fail to sprout.

Meaning

This proverb highlights resilience and the power of survival. Just as 'Garika' (Bermuda grass) is incredibly difficult to eradicate because it can regrow from the tiniest piece of root, this expression is used to describe a person or a situation that shows strong persistence and recovers even after facing near-total destruction or severe setbacks.

Related Phrases

The donkey that eats the Galika weed might die, but the weed itself does not.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an object or a habit outlasts the person using or consuming it. It highlights the persistence of certain negative influences or indestructible nature of some things despite their impact on others.

After buying, he won't stop eating it.

This expression is used to describe a situation where once a person has committed to or invested in something (or someone), they are bound to follow through or deal with the consequences. It highlights that certain actions create an inevitable sequence of events or responsibilities.

What is destined to happen will not stop, what is destined to come will not fail to arrive.

This expression is used to convey a sense of fatalism or destiny. It suggests that future events are inevitable and that worrying about them is futile because whatever is meant to happen will happen regardless of human intervention.

A budding desire cannot be hidden in the hand

This expression suggests that a new or growing desire, passion, or intention is impossible to conceal for long. Just as a growing sprout cannot be contained within a closed fist, one's true feelings or ambitions will eventually manifest and become visible to others.

How can one save a saree within the blouse piece itself?

This expression describes an impossible or paradoxical situation where someone tries to achieve a large result with insufficient resources, or attempts to fit a whole into a tiny part. It is often used to criticize someone who is being extremely stingy or unrealistic about budgets and expectations.

Like a wooden pestle sprouting leaves.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible or an occurrence that is highly improbable. Just as a dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow leaves or sprout, this phrase refers to situations where one expects a result from a hopeless source or refers to a miraculous, unheard-of event.

After shaving, all that is left is the top-lock. To sponge on another until he has nothing left. After shaving there is nothing to shear, (Italian.)

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone has lost almost everything, and what remains is trivial or insignificant. It highlights a state of near-total loss or failure where the little that is left is not of much value.

You must not desert the leavings of chunam or a deposed king. The chunam will be wanted again to eat with betel leaf . The king, if restored to power, will reward those who were faithful to him in adversity.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of completely finishing a task or treatment. Just as a small amount of leftover lime (used in betel leaves) can dry up and become useless, or a partially cured disease can relapse and become fatal, one should never leave problems or responsibilities half-done. It is used to advise someone to be thorough and ensure complete resolution of an issue.

The only goat remaining unsold. A wretched fate.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is spared or survives a calamity while others perish, or more commonly, it describes a goat that is kept for breeding/milk rather than being slaughtered for meat. In a metaphorical sense, it signifies a survivor who carries the responsibility of nurturing or continuing a legacy.

* Der Eine schlägt den Nagel ein, der Andere hängt den Hut daran. 3 ( 17 )

Like a rice pounder budding. Said of a hopelessly ignorant fellow.

This expression is used to describe something that is completely impossible, highly improbable, or a miracle. A dry, dead wooden pestle (rokali) can never grow new leaves or buds; therefore, it refers to situations where a hopeless cause suddenly shows life or an impossible task is claimed to be achieved.