కలుపు తీయకపోతే పైరుకు చేటు

kalupu tiyakapote pairuku chetu

Translation

If weeds are not removed, it is harmful to the crop

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timely intervention and maintenance. Just as weeds compete with crops for nutrients and sunlight, if we do not address negative influences or small problems early on, they will eventually destroy our growth or hard work. It is used to suggest that one should eliminate bad habits or distractions to succeed.

Related Phrases

Borrowed ornaments cause inconvenience by their weight, pain by taking them off and putting them on, and debt if one of them is lost. He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.

This proverb warns against the risks and anxieties of borrowing expensive items from others. It explains that while borrowed ornaments might make one look wealthy, they bring physical discomfort (burden), constant worry about their safety (hassle of handling), and a massive financial liability if something happens to them.

A basketful of water for a crop in its booting stage.

This proverb highlights a critical phase in agriculture. 'Potta' refers to the stage where the grain is forming inside the stalk (booting stage). During this specific time, the crop requires an abundant and timely supply of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to emphasize that providing the right resources at the most critical moment is essential for success.

Moonlight is the beauty of the night, while ears of grain are the beauty of the crop.

This proverb highlights what constitutes the true value or essence of something. Just as moonlight defines the beauty of a night, the health and abundance of the grain-heads (ears) determine the success and worth of a crop. It is used to emphasize that the final result or the core feature is what gives a thing its true significance.

Borrowed wealth is a burden, eating sweets brings harm, and if any of it is lost, it leads to debt.

This proverb warns about the dangers of borrowing and the consequences of careless living. It highlights that borrowed money or items are never truly yours and create a psychological or financial burden. Similarly, overindulgence (sweets) leads to health issues. Ultimately, it emphasizes that if borrowed assets are lost or wasted, it results in a cycle of debt and ruin.

Moonlight is the beauty of the night, as ears of grain are the beauty of the crop.

This proverb highlights what constitutes the essence or peak beauty of something. Just as moonlight makes a night pleasant and beautiful, the appearance of healthy ears of grain (spikelets) signifies the success and value of a crop. It is used to describe things that are essential for fulfillment or completeness.

Like sowing seeds for a crop but having weeds grow instead.

This expression is used to describe a situation where one puts in hard work or investment for a positive outcome, but gets an undesirable or useless result instead. It signifies unexpected disappointment or the irony of effort leading to a nuisance.

Water needs a lily, speech needs pleasantness.

Just as a water lily enhances the beauty and serenity of a pond, pleasant and polite words bring grace and coolness to a conversation. It emphasizes the importance of speaking kindly and gently to maintain harmony.

The crop that grows by using Vempali (wild indigo) as manure.

This proverb highlights the benefits of organic farming, specifically the use of 'Vempali' (Tephrosia purpurea) as green manure. It suggests that natural fertilization leads to the best crop growth. Metaphorically, it can mean that things built on a strong, natural foundation yield the best results.

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.

Crops should be mature, while cattle should be young.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It means that crops (like paddy) yield better when they are fully matured and ripe, whereas livestock or cattle are most productive and useful when they are young and energetic. It highlights the ideal states for different assets in farming.