మాగిలి దున్నితే మరింత పంట

magili dunnite marinta panta

Translation

Ploughing the land after the first rains yields more crops.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the importance of timing and preparation in agriculture. 'Magili' refers to the land moistened by the first summer rains. It suggests that if a farmer takes advantage of these initial rains to plough the field, the soil quality improves, leading to a much higher yield. Metaphorically, it means that starting a task at the right opportune moment with proper preparation ensures success.

Related Phrases

If you plow early in the morning, even a poor farmer will see a harvest.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of punctuality and hard work in agriculture. 'Egili' refers to the very early morning hours (pre-dawn). It suggests that starting work early is so effective that even someone with limited resources or skills can achieve a good yield.

Will a fruit which ripens not of itself ripen if you kick it? Advice is thrown away upon the headstrong.

This proverb is used to explain that certain things cannot be forced and require their own natural time to happen. Just as a raw fruit cannot be forced to ripen instantly through physical force or aggression, results in life often require patience and the right conditions rather than coercion.

If you plow along the same furrow repeatedly, even a dead field will yield crops.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.

Seeing the lake, the buffalo wanted to drink all the water itself and died of a broken heart (or burst chest).

This proverb is used to describe greed and over-ambition. It warns that trying to consume or possess more than one's capacity or trying to take everything for oneself leads to self-destruction. It is often applied to people who are overly greedy and fail to recognize their own limits.

If the crop-wind hits, the harvest will be abundant.

This proverb highlights the importance of favorable weather conditions, specifically the cooling breeze known as 'pairugali', for a successful agricultural yield. It is used to express that when the right environment or support is present, success and prosperity are guaranteed.

If goats could plow the fields, why would anyone need oxen?

This proverb is used to highlight that certain tasks require specific strength, skills, or tools. It suggests that while smaller or less capable resources (goats) have their own value, they cannot replace the heavy-duty power of the right resource (oxen) for a demanding job. It is often used to criticize unrealistic expectations or the use of inadequate means for a large task.

Looking at the Pakala lake and wanting to drink all that water by itself, the male buffalo's heart burst and it died.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's excessive greed or over-ambition leads to their own downfall. It is used to mock people who attempt tasks far beyond their capacity or who harbor unrealistic desires that eventually lead to their ruin.

If you plough the fallow field after the harvest, even a common man can yield a crop.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of timely and proper soil preparation. It suggests that if the land is ploughed during the 'Maghili' season (post-harvest winter/spring) to retain moisture and nutrients, anyone who puts in the effort will succeed in farming, regardless of their background or expertise.

If you touch the bullock, you must touch the soil.

This proverb emphasizes the necessity of hard work and physical labor to achieve results. It implies that if one engages in agriculture or any significant task (symbolized by the bullock), they must be prepared to get their hands dirty and work the land (the soil) to see success.

If donkeys could plow, wouldn't nomads be farmers?

This proverb is used to emphasize that specific tasks require specific skills, tools, or status. It suggests that success doesn't come from shortcut methods or unsuitable resources. It is often used to mock someone trying to do a job they are not qualified for or to point out that hard work and proper methods are necessary for results.