కరువులో అధికమాసాలు
karuvulo adhikamasalu
In a time of famine, there are extra months.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one misfortune is followed by another, compounding an already difficult situation. It is similar to the English expression 'When it rains, it pours.'
Related Phrases
అన్నం ఎక్కువైతే ఆచారం ఎక్కువ, ఆచారం ఎక్కువైతే గ్రహచారం తక్కువ.
annam ekkuvaite acharam ekkuva, acharam ekkuvaite grahacharam takkuva.
If food is in excess, rituals increase; if rituals increase, fortune decreases.
This proverb suggests that when people have too much luxury or idle time, they tend to focus excessively on rigid traditions and unnecessary rituals. However, becoming overly obsessed with such formalities can lead to one's downfall or misfortune. It is a cautionary saying about maintaining balance and avoiding extreme pedantry.
అరువు సొమ్ములు బరువుకు చేటు
aruvu sommulu baruvuku chetu
Borrowed jewelry is only a burden.
This proverb highlights that borrowing things (especially ornaments or jewelry) for the sake of showing off only brings anxiety and a sense of burden, as one is constantly worried about their safety and eventual return. It is used to advise people to live within their means and be content with what they own.
కరువుకు చింతలు, కాలానికి మామిళ్ళు
karuvuku chintalu, kalaniki mamillu
Tamarind for famine, mangoes for the season
This proverb highlights nature's balance and agricultural wisdom. Tamarind trees are drought-resistant and provide food during famines (scarcity), whereas mangoes flourish during their specific season (abundance). It suggests that different things serve different purposes depending on the circumstances, and that one should be prepared for both good and bad times.
ఏ గ్రహముపట్టినా ఆగ్రహము పట్టరాదు.
e grahamupattina agrahamu pattaradu.
No matter which planet influences you, anger should not possess you.
This proverb emphasizes emotional control and patience. In Telugu culture, 'Graha' refers to planetary influences believed to cause bad luck or hardships. The saying suggests that even when one is facing extreme misfortune or a 'bad phase' (astrologically speaking), they must not lose their temper, as anger only worsens the situation and leads to further ruin.
సిరి పని ఎక్కువ, దేబిరాసికి తిండి ఎక్కువ.
siri pani ekkuva, debirasiki tindi ekkuva.
The wealthy have more work, the unfortunate have more food.
This proverb highlights a social irony: those who are prosperous and wealthy (Siri) are often burdened with endless responsibilities and hard work to maintain their status, whereas those who are lazy or seen as 'unfortunate' (Debirasi) often focus solely on consuming resources without contributing effort.
పరువుకీ, కరువుకీ డబ్బు
paruvuki, karuvuki dabbu
Money for dignity and for drought (scarcity)
This expression highlights that money is essential for two main reasons: maintaining one's social standing (dignity) and surviving during times of extreme hardship or scarcity (drought). It is used to emphasize the importance of financial security for both social and survival needs.
కులము తక్కువవానికి నీటు ఎక్కువ
kulamu takkuvavaniki nitu ekkuva
The one from a lower caste/status has more vanity.
This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, character, or high status but try to overcompensate by being overly showy, boastful, or excessively concerned with outward appearances and fashion.
ఆగ్రహాన ఆనపెట్టుకున్నట్టు
agrahana anapettukunnattu
Like taking an oath in a fit of passion.
This expression describes a situation where someone makes a rash decision or a solemn promise in a fit of rage, which they eventually regret or find difficult to uphold once they calm down. It is used to caution against making life-altering commitments when one is not in a stable emotional state.
ఆగ్రహాన ఆనపెట్టుకున్నట్టు.
agrahana anapettukunnattu.
Like making a vow in a fit of rage.
This expression refers to decisions made or actions taken in anger that one eventually regrets. It is used when someone impulsively commits to something difficult or harmful to themselves while being emotional, only to realize the burden of that commitment later when they have calmed down.
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.