కరువులో అధిక మాసం, లేమిలో అధిక సంతానం
karuvulo adhika masam, lemilo adhika santanam
An extra month during a famine, and many children during poverty.
This expression is used to describe a situation where troubles or burdens pile up one after another when someone is already in a difficult state. Just as an intercalary month (Adhika Masam) extends the duration of a year during a drought, or having many children adds to the financial burden of a poor person, it signifies that misfortunes rarely come alone and often worsen an existing crisis.
Related Phrases
భిక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి, లక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి
bhikshadhikari ayina kavali, lakshadhikari ayina kavali
Either be a beggar or a millionaire.
This proverb suggests that in life, it is better to be at one extreme or the other rather than being stuck in the middle. It emphasizes that both a person with nothing to lose and a person with immense resources have a certain type of freedom or power, whereas those in the middle often face the most struggles and anxieties.
అధిక ఆషాఢం
adhika ashadham
An intercalary Âshâḍha. The month Âshâḍha corresponds with June—July. Said by a man when excusing himself for not observing the rules of the house in which he was staying.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is an unnecessary or redundant addition to an already problematic or complicated situation. In the Hindu lunar calendar, an 'Adhika Masam' (extra month) can sometimes be Ashadha; figuratively, it refers to something surplus, unwanted, or a delay that complicates matters.
ఊళ్ళో అధికారమైనా ఉండాల, ఊరంచు పొలమైనా ఉండాల.
ullo adhikaramaina undala, uranchu polamaina undala.
One should either have authority in the village or land on the village outskirts.
This proverb highlights the importance of social status or convenience in one's place of residence. Having authority gives power and respect, while owning land near the village limits (close to home) ensures agricultural convenience and prosperity. It is used to suggest that for a comfortable and influential life, one needs either administrative power or valuable, accessible resources.
కరువులో అధిక మాసం
karuvulo adhika masam
An extra month during a famine.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or bad situation is made worse by further complications or burdens. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'Misfortunes never come singly' or 'When it rains, it pours'.
భిక్షాధికారికి లక్షాధికారికి ఎందుకు పోలిక?
bhikshadhikariki lakshadhikariki enduku polika?
Why compare a beggar with a millionaire?
This expression is used to highlight a vast disparity or mismatch between two people, situations, or objects. It suggests that it is illogical or unfair to compare things that are fundamentally different in status, quality, or scale.
ఊళ్ళో అధికారమైనా ఉండాలి ఊరంచున పొలమైనా ఉండాలి
ullo adhikaramaina undali uranchuna polamaina undali
One should either have authority in the village or land on the village outskirts.
This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.
భిక్షాధికారి అయినా కావలె, లక్షాధికారి అయినా కావలె.
bhikshadhikari ayina kavale, lakshadhikari ayina kavale.
One must be a master of alms or a master of lakhs. i. e. either a beggar or a very rich man.
This proverb emphasizes that one should aim for extremes rather than being stuck in the middle. It suggests that a person should either be completely detached from worldly possessions (like a master ascetic/beggar) or be immensely wealthy (a millionaire), as both positions command a certain type of freedom or influence, whereas being in the middle often brings struggle and dissatisfaction.
అప్పు లేనివాడే అధిక సంపన్నుడు
appu lenivade adhika sampannudu
The one without debt is the wealthiest person.
This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind and financial freedom that comes from being debt-free. It suggests that no matter how much money one earns, true wealth is defined by not owing anything to others.
భిక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి, లక్షాధికారి అయినా కావాలి
bhikshadhikari ayina kavali, lakshadhikari ayina kavali
One should either become a master of begging or a millionaire.
This expression emphasizes that one should aim for extremes or total mastery in their chosen path rather than being mediocre. It suggests that there is no point in being 'in-between' or average; one should either reach the pinnacle of wealth or, if choosing a humble path, be the most detached or humble version of it. It is often used to encourage commitment to a goal.
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.