కట్టు అరిగితేగాని, గరిసె విరగదు.
kattu arigitegani, garise viragadu.
The grain storehouse won't break unless the binding wears out.
This proverb signifies that a major event or change (often negative) doesn't happen suddenly; it is the result of gradual wear and tear or long-term neglect. In a social context, it implies that a strong family or organization won't collapse unless the internal bonds or rules are slowly eroded over time.
Related Phrases
బొట్టు కట్టితేగాని ముండమొయ్యదు
bottu kattitegani mundamoyyadu
She cannot become a widow unless she is first married (by tying the Bottu).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where certain necessary conditions must be met before an outcome—often a negative or inevitable one—can occur. It highlights the logical sequence of events, implying that one cannot experience the consequences of a state (like widowhood) without first entering that state (marriage).
అరక అరిగితే గరిసె విరుగుతుంది
araka arigite garise virugutundi
If the plough wears out, the granary will break.
This proverb highlights the direct relationship between hard work (represented by the plough) and prosperity (represented by the granary). It implies that if the tools of labor are used extensively to the point of wearing out, it results in such a bountiful harvest that the storage containers might even break under the weight of the yield. It is used to encourage diligent effort in one's profession.
తాగితేగాని మొగ్గడు, తడిస్తేగాని కప్పుడు.
tagitegani moggadu, tadistegani kappudu.
It will not sprout unless watered, and it will not cover unless wet.
This proverb is often used to describe items or situations that require specific conditions to become functional. In a literal sense, it refers to a rough wool blanket (gongali) which is stiff when dry but becomes flexible and usable only when damp. Figuratively, it describes people who only work or cooperate under specific pressure or when their basic needs are met.
లంఖణాలకు పెడితేగాని, పైత్యం వదలదు
lankhanalaku peditegani, paityam vadaladu
The acidity (biliousness) won't leave unless one is subjected to fasting
This expression suggests that certain stubborn problems or bad behaviors cannot be corrected through gentle means; they require strict discipline, harsh measures, or a period of deprivation to be resolved. Just as fasting is a traditional remedy for digestive issues, some situations require a 'tough love' approach.
నేను నాలుగు పెడితే గానీ కుదరదు
nenu nalugu pedite gani kudaradu
It won't be settled unless I give four (slaps).
This expression is used when someone is being stubborn, mischievous, or uncooperative. It implies that the person will only behave or understand the situation if they are physically disciplined or sternly reprimanded. In a broader sense, it means some problems require a 'tough' approach rather than gentle persuasion.
గరిసె విత్తనాలు పోసి, గంపెడు విత్తనాలు తెచ్చుకొన్నట్లు
garise vittanalu posi, gampedu vittanalu techchukonnatlu
Like pouring a granary's worth of seeds and bringing back a basketful.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive investment or effort results in a very small or disproportionate return. It signifies a loss or a failed venture where the output is significantly less than the input.
జొన్న పెరిగితే జాడు, వరి పెరిగితే వడ్డు.
jonna perigite jadu, vari perigite vaddu.
If sorghum grows, it's just stalk; if rice grows, it's a harvest.
This proverb highlights the difference in productivity between crops. It means that tall growth in sorghum (jowar) doesn't necessarily mean high yield as it mostly results in fodder (stalk), whereas vigorous growth in paddy leads to a plentiful grain harvest at the bank. It is used metaphorically to say that appearances of growth or activity are only valuable if they result in actual substance or wealth.
ఇనుము విరిగితే అతకవచ్చును గాని, మనసు విరిగితే అతకకూడదు.
inumu virigite atakavachchunu gani, manasu virigite atakakudadu.
If iron be broken it may be united, but if friendship be broken it cannot be healed. Broken friendship may be soldered, but never made sound. (Spanish.)
This proverb emphasizes the fragility of human relationships and emotions. While physical objects like iron can be repaired or welded back together after breaking, the trust and affection in a relationship, once shattered, can never truly be restored to its original state. It serves as a warning to be careful with one's words and actions to avoid hurting others deeply.
తింటేగాని రుచి తెలియదు, దిగితేగాని లోతు తెలియదు.
tintegani ruchi teliyadu, digitegani lotu teliyadu.
Without eating you can't tell the taste; without going down [ into the water ] you can't know the depth. The proof of a pudding is in the eating.
This proverb emphasizes that practical experience is essential to truly understand or judge something. Just as you cannot judge a dish without tasting it or know the depth of a pond without stepping into it, you cannot understand the complexities or difficulties of a situation or task until you are personally involved in it.
అమ్మ పెట్టేవి నాలుగు పెడితేగాని, అరికలచేట బయట పెట్టదు.
amma pettevi nalugu peditegani, arikalacheta bayata pettadu.
Until mother gives four (hits), the small winnowing basket won't be brought out.
This proverb describes someone who is extremely stubborn or lazy. It refers to a person who will not perform a necessary task or change their behavior until they are scolded, punished, or forced by authority. It is used in contexts where discipline is the only way to get a result.