కార్తెలు మోసం చేస్తే కరువులు వస్తాయి.
kartelu mosam cheste karuvulu vastayi.
If the seasons (Kartelu) deceive, famines will follow.
This traditional Telugu proverb emphasizes the dependency of agriculture on the 'Kartelu' (astrological seasonal periods that dictate rainfall). It means that if the rains do not arrive during their designated seasonal periods, it leads to crop failure and eventually famine. It is used to highlight the importance of timely natural cycles for survival.
Related Phrases
అన్ని కార్తెలు తప్పినా హస్త తప్పదు
anni kartelu tappina hasta tappadu
Even if all other seasons fail, the Hasta rain will not fail.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the lunar mansions (Kartes). It implies that even if the rains fail during other periods, the rains during the 'Hasta Karthe' are reliable and inevitable. In a broader sense, it refers to a dependable final chance or a certainty that one can rely on when everything else fails.
పొయ్యి అరిస్తే బంధువులు, కుక్కలు కూస్తే కరువు
poyyi ariste bandhuvulu, kukkalu kuste karuvu
If the fire place cries out ( i. e. if the wood sings ) relations [ are coming ], if the dogs bark a famine [ may be expected ].
This is a traditional Telugu proverb based on folk beliefs. It suggests that certain sounds or signs predict future events: the whistling or crackling of a traditional wood-burning stove is seen as a sign that guests/relatives are coming to visit, whereas the unusual howling of dogs is considered an ill omen signaling impending drought or famine.
Let us have florins and we shall find cousins. ( Italian. )†
గోరు వాస్తే వేలంత, వేలు వాస్తే కాలంత, కాలు వాస్తే రోలంత, రోలు వాస్తే ఎంత?
goru vaste velanta, velu vaste kalanta, kalu vaste rolanta, rolu vaste enta?
If the nail swell, [it will be ] as big as the finger; if the finger swell, [it will be ] as big as the leg; if the leg swell, [it will be ] as big as a mortar; if the mortar swell, how big [ will it be ? ] Said in ridicule of a logician.
This is a humorous and logical Telugu proverb or riddle used to describe exaggeration or the concept of exponential growth/inflation. It highlights how a small issue, if left unchecked or exaggerated, can become absurdly large. It is often used to mock someone who is blowing things out of proportion or to point out the logical fallacy in a sequence of exaggerations.
కరణం మోసం చేస్తే కొంపలు కూల్తాయి.
karanam mosam cheste kompalu kultayi.
If the village accountant cheats, houses will be ruined.
In the olden days, the 'Karanam' (village accountant) held all the land and tax records. If he committed fraud, entire families could lose their homes and livelihoods. This proverb is used to warn that when a person in a position of trust or administrative power acts dishonestly, the consequences are devastating for everyone dependent on them.
స్వాతి కురిస్తే మూడు కార్తెలు కురుస్తాయి
svati kuriste mudu kartelu kurustayi
If it rains during the Swati constellation, it will rain for the next three constellations.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon cycle. It suggests that rainfall during the Swati Karthe (usually in October) is a positive indicator that ensures continued moisture and rainfall for the subsequent three seasonal periods (Vishakha, Anuradha, and Jyeshta), which is vital for the late-season crops.
కరువుకు దాసరులైతే, పదాలెక్కడ వస్తాయి?
karuvuku dasarulaite, padalekkada vastayi?
If one becomes a wandering monk due to famine, where will the hymns come from?
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes up a profession or task out of desperation or lack of choice, rather than passion or knowledge. It implies that if you do something merely to survive, you won't have the skill, heart, or inspiration to perform it well. It is used to mock people who pretend to be experts in a field they joined only for personal gain or out of necessity.
ఏడు కరువులు వస్తున్నాయిరా అంటే, తొలికరవులోనే పోతే, మిగత ఆరు ఏం చేస్తాయి అన్నాడట.
edu karuvulu vastunnayira ante, tolikaravulone pote, migata aru em chestayi annadata.
When told that seven famines are coming, he asked, 'If I die in the very first one, what will the other six do?'
This proverb is used to mock someone who displays extreme laziness, a lack of foresight, or a fatalistic attitude. Instead of preparing for a long-term challenge, the person dismisses the concern with a cynical or foolish remark, suggesting that if they don't survive the initial difficulty, the subsequent ones don't matter anyway. It highlights a lack of responsibility or an 'ignorance is bliss' mindset.
అశ్విని కురిస్తే ఆరు కార్తెలు విడుపు
ashvini kuriste aru kartelu vidupu
If it rains during the Ashwini period, there will be no rain for the next six periods.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon cycle. It suggests that if heavy rains occur during the Ashwini Karti (the first period of the lunar calendar), it negatively impacts the rainfall in the following six periods, leading to a dry spell that can be detrimental to farmers.
ఆరుద్ర కురిస్తే, ఆరుకార్తెలు కురుస్తాయి
arudra kuriste, arukartelu kurustayi
If it rains during the Arudra season, it will rain for the next six seasons.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the monsoon. It suggests that if the Arudra Karti (a specific solar mansion/period) brings good rainfall, it sets a positive precedent for consistent rains throughout the following six agricultural periods, ensuring a successful harvest.
కరువులో అరువు
karuvulo aruvu
Borrowing during a famine
This expression describes a situation where one is forced to seek a loan or credit during a time of extreme scarcity or crisis. It signifies an act of desperation or a burden upon an already struggling person, as borrowing during a famine is difficult to repay and even harder to obtain.