కలుపు తీయనివానికి కసవే మిగులును.

kalupu tiyanivaniki kasave migulunu.

Translation

For the one who does not remove the weeds, only the weeds remain.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and timely maintenance. In agriculture, if a farmer fails to remove weeds, they will choke the crop, leaving the farmer with nothing but useless weeds. Metaphorically, it means that if you don't eliminate obstacles or distractions in your life or work, you will fail to achieve your goals and will be left with nothing of value.

Related Phrases

The one who does not remove the weeds will not reap the harvest.

This proverb emphasizes that success requires hard work and maintenance. Just as a farmer cannot expect a good yield if they don't remove weeds from the field, a person cannot achieve goals without addressing obstacles or putting in the necessary effort throughout the process. It is used to highlight the importance of diligence and the law of consequences.

Like picking out grit or debris from a curry.

This expression is used to describe a tedious, meticulous, and often unpleasant task of identifying and removing small, unwanted elements from a larger group. It is commonly applied when one has to carefully filter out flaws, errors, or undesirable people from a situation.

A field without weeding is like a temple without a deity.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintenance and care. Just as a temple is purposeless and empty without a god, a crop field is useless if it is not weeded. It is used to highlight that without proper effort, supervision, or the core essential element, any endeavor or establishment becomes worthless.

Why does the one who doesn't plow need a cloth? Why does the one who cannot rule need a wife?

This proverb highlights the importance of effort and responsibility. It suggests that a person who is unwilling to perform basic labor or fulfill their duties does not deserve the rewards or status that come with them. It is used to mock lazy or incompetent individuals who demand privileges without doing the necessary work.

When a man dies, his words remain; when an ox dies, its bones remain.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's legacy is defined by the words they spoke and the reputation they built during their lifetime. While an animal leaves behind physical remains like bones or hide, a human's lasting impact is the influence of their character and speech. It is used to encourage people to speak kindly and live honorably so they are remembered well.

If you bend even lower under someone who is already bent, your joints will be hit.

This proverb warns against excessive submissiveness or trying to be overly humble with someone who is already yielding. It implies that being too accommodating or sycophantic can lead to unnecessary trouble or physical/metaphorical injury. It is used to advise people to maintain their dignity and boundaries.

The infatuation won't fade until the arrogance is crushed.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's stubborn romantic obsession or infatuation is driven by ego or pride. It suggests that until their arrogance (balupu) is humbled by reality or hardship, their irrational desire (valapu) will not subside. It is often applied to people who need a reality check to stop acting on foolish impulses.

Do you need a sickle just to pull out weeds?

This proverb is used to point out when someone is overcomplicating a simple task or seeking unnecessary, elaborate tools for a minor job. It suggests that common sense or minimal effort is sufficient for small problems.

A crop that is not weeded will not reach the eye (yield).

This proverb emphasizes that without proper maintenance and the removal of unwanted elements (weeds), one cannot expect a good result or harvest. In a broader sense, it means that if you don't address problems or distractions in your work or life early on, you won't achieve the desired success.

A weeded field is a feast for the eyes.

Just as a field cleared of weeds looks beautiful and healthy to a farmer, any task or project that has been refined and cleared of unnecessary elements becomes a delight to behold. It is used to emphasize that hard work in removing obstacles or imperfections leads to a beautiful and rewarding result.