మఘలో చల్లిన విత్తనాల మచ్చలు కనబడతాయి.

maghalo challina vittanala machchalu kanabadatayi.

Translation

Seeds sown during the Magha season will show their spots.

Meaning

This agricultural proverb signifies that seeds sown during the Magha rain cycle (Karthi) do not yield a proper harvest; rather, they fail or remain as mere spots in the soil. It is used to emphasize the importance of timing and that efforts made at the wrong time lead to wasted labor and failure.

Related Phrases

It is better to scatter on a dung heap than to scatter on a bald head.

This proverb is used to describe a futile effort or helping someone who is ungrateful or incapable of improvement. Just as seeds sown on a bald head are wasted and won't grow, whereas even on a rubbish heap (dibba) they might at least serve as fertilizer or sprout, it suggests that your resources or efforts are better spent anywhere else rather than on a completely useless or unappreciative person.

Better to sow half a measure in Ashlesha than a full measure in Magha.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to timing and the lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It emphasizes that performing a task at the right time (Ashlesha karti) with fewer resources is far more productive than doing it late (Magha karti) with more resources. It highlights the importance of seasonal timing in farming for a better yield.

Goodness, even if small, is enough; a seed, even if tiny, is enough!

This proverb emphasizes that quality matters more than quantity. Just as a tiny seed has the potential to grow into a massive tree, a small amount of goodness or a single positive action can have a significant and lasting impact. It is used to encourage people that even small contributions or virtuous acts are valuable.

Seeds must be sown in the right season, even if it is only in a dream.

This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and punctuality. It suggests that certain tasks must be performed during their designated time to be successful. Even if one is unable to do it physically, the intent and preparation should be there, highlighting that missing a seasonal opportunity leads to failure.

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.

If sown at the right time, even seeds cast in a bush will yield a harvest.

This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and opportunity. It suggests that when the conditions are perfect or the timing is right, success can be achieved even with minimal effort or in less-than-ideal circumstances. It is used to advise someone to wait for the opportune moment before taking action.

If sown during the Chitta rain star period, you won't even get a handful of yield.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb referring to the Chitta Karthe (an astrological period). It suggests that crops sown during this specific time will not yield good results due to unfavorable weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of timing in farming.

Heaped seeds, tasteless sprouts

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort or resources are gathered at once, but the result is poor or unproductive. It implies that quantity does not guarantee quality, or that poor planning leads to a disappointing outcome despite having the raw materials.

Seeds that have endured seven summers can withstand any drought.

This proverb highlights the value of resilience and experience. Just as seeds dried and hardened through many summers become tough enough to survive severe droughts, people who have faced and overcome numerous hardships gain the strength and wisdom to withstand any future adversity.

If the amulets are gone, will the scars disappear?

This proverb suggests that external remedies or temporary protections might hide a problem, but they cannot erase the permanent consequences or history of an event. It is used to emphasize that even if a conflict is resolved or a protector is gone, the deep-seated wounds or bad reputation (scars) remain.