నూతిలో నీరు తోడుకోవాలిగాని, తనంతట తానే పైకి వస్తుందా?

nutilo niru todukovaligani, tanantata tane paiki vastunda?

Translation

One must draw water from the well; will it come up on its own?

Meaning

This expression emphasizes that effort is mandatory to achieve results. Just as water stays at the bottom of a well unless someone puts in the work to pull it up, success or resources will not manifest without proactive human action.

Related Phrases

Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.

This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.

Grandpa, grandpa, a Tangedu twig.. your sister's daughter is a rabbit cub.

This is a playful, rhythmic nursery rhyme or a nonsensical tongue-twister used by children in Telugu culture. It doesn't have a serious moral or philosophical meaning; rather, it is used for entertainment, teasing, or as a rhythmic chant during games.

Like pouring water into a leaky pot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where effort, resources, or advice are wasted on someone or something that cannot retain them. It signifies a futile or useless action where despite the input, there is no result because the vessel (recipient) is fundamentally flawed.

Will a frog in the water stay without drinking it?

This proverb is used to imply that it is natural and inevitable for someone to utilize the resources or opportunities available in their immediate environment. It is often used to suggest that a person in a position of power or proximity to wealth will likely take advantage of it, sometimes hinting at subtle corruption or inevitable influence.

Water in a field that is naturally seeping or springing.

This expression refers to a situation or resource that is constant and self-replenishing. Just as a field with a natural spring (oota) never runs dry, it describes someone with inexhaustible talent, wealth, or a continuous flow of ideas.

Help in times of danger, share in times of wealth.

This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships and fairness. It means that if you want a share in someone's prosperity or inheritance (property), you must also be willing to stand by them and provide support when they are in trouble or facing a crisis.

A horse fans itself with its own tail, but does it fan all the other horses in the stable?

This proverb is used to describe individualistic or selfish behavior. It implies that people generally look after their own needs and comforts but rarely extend that same effort to help everyone else around them. It is often cited when someone expects an individual to solve everyone's problems just because they are capable of solving their own.

A fully ripened fruit will fall on its own.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a natural outcome or a result occurs automatically when the time is right, without needing external force. It suggests patience, implying that when a process is complete or a person is mature enough, the transition or consequence will happen naturally.

Tears flow downwards, while rose water is sprinkled upwards.

This expression is used to describe the irony of social status and emotions. It signifies that while sorrow and suffering (tears) are common, private, and flow naturally, luxury and celebration (rose water) are often displayed ostentatiously. It can also refer to the flow of resources or sympathy in society.

An old Tangedu flower will be useful at least on the day of the festival.

This proverb highlights that even something old or seemingly useless can find its value during a specific occasion or time of need. It is often used to suggest that one should not discard old items or ignore old resources, as their importance might be realized later.