కరువుకు తోడు ఆవపంట కలిగినట్లు
karuvuku todu avapanta kaliginatlu
Like a harvest of mustard seeds during a famine.
This expression refers to a situation where one problem is compounded by another useless or counterproductive outcome. Mustard seeds are small and cannot satisfy hunger like food grains can; thus, growing them during a food shortage is futile. It is used when an already bad situation is met with an insignificant or irrelevant solution.
Related Phrases
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.
చిచ్చుకు తోడు కరువలి
chichchuku todu karuvali
Wind aiding the fire
This expression is used to describe a situation where an already problematic or volatile circumstance is made worse by an external factor. Just as strong winds fan the flames of a fire and make it uncontrollable, this refers to an ally or a circumstance that intensifies a conflict or a problem.
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.
అసలే అయోమయం, అందుకుతోడు అంధకారం
asale ayomayam, andukutodu andhakaram
Already confused, and to add to that, darkness.
This expression is used to describe a situation that is already chaotic or confusing, which then becomes even more difficult due to an additional problem or lack of clarity. It is similar to the English idiom 'to make matters worse' or 'out of the frying pan into the fire', specifically highlighting a total lack of direction or information.
మిన్ను విరిగినా, కన్ను పోయినా కారకమానవు
minnu virigina, kannu poyina karakamanavu
Even if the sky breaks or an eye is lost, you will not stop doing it.
This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.
కొడుకు కలిగినంత కులముద్ధరించునా?
koduku kaliginanta kulamuddharinchuna?
Will the mere birth of a son uplift the lineage?
This expression suggests that simply having a son does not bring honor or progress to a family or community; rather, it is his virtues, character, and actions that truly matter. It is often used to emphasize quality of character over mere existence or gender.
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.
కలిగిన వారి పిల్లకు కాలి చెప్పు కరువా?
kaligina vari pillaku kali cheppu karuva?
Is there a shortage of footwear for the children of the wealthy?
This proverb suggests that for people with abundant resources or power, even their smallest needs are easily met without effort. It is used to describe a situation where someone influential never lacks support, opportunities, or basic necessities, implying that luxury and convenience come naturally to those in high positions.
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.
గురువుకు పంగనామాలు పెట్టడం
guruvuku panganamalu pettadam
Applying religious marks (deceiving) to the teacher himself.
This expression is used when a student or a subordinate tries to cheat or outsmart the very person who taught them or mentored them. It signifies an act of extreme betrayal, ingratitude, or cunning deception against a mentor.