నువ్వులకు ఏడు దుక్కులు, ఉలవలకు ఒకే దుక్కి
nuvvulaku edu dukkulu, ulavalaku oke dukki
Seven plowings for sesame, one plowing for horsegram.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb indicating that different tasks require different levels of effort. Sesame (gingelly) seeds are tiny and delicate, needing highly refined soil prepared by multiple plowings to thrive. In contrast, horsegram is a hardy crop that grows even in rough, minimally tilled soil. It is used to suggest that one should apply effort proportional to the specific nature and needs of a project.
Related Phrases
నువ్వులకు తగిన నూనె
nuvvulaku tagina nune
Oil according to the [ quantity of ] Sesamum.
This expression is used to indicate that the result or output is directly proportional to the investment, effort, or resources put in. It is often used to tell someone that they get what they pay for, or that rewards are commensurate with the work performed.
పిడుగుకు బిడ్డకు ఒకే మంత్రమా?
piduguku biddaku oke mantrama?
Is there the same mantra for a lightning bolt and a child?
This expression is used to highlight that different problems require different solutions. It suggests that one cannot apply the same logic, treatment, or punishment to vastly different situations—specifically contrasting something as powerful and destructive as a lightning bolt (pidugu) with something as delicate as a child (bidda).
మూలలో చల్లిన ఉలవలు మూడు పువ్వులు ఆరు కాయలు
mulalo challina ulavalu mudu puvvulu aru kayalu
Horse gram scattered in a corner; three flowers and six fruits.
This expression is used to describe something that is flourishing, prospering, or growing rapidly beyond expectations. 'Mudu puvvulu aru kayalu' specifically refers to a state of great abundance and success.
దుక్కిటెద్దుకు పంచదార అటుకులు కావాలనా?
dukkitedduku panchadara atukulu kavalana?
Does a ploughing ox want sugar and flattened rice?
This proverb is used to point out that one should be given what is appropriate for their role or situation rather than unnecessary luxuries. A hard-working ox needs fodder and strength, not delicacies. It is often applied to people who demand sophisticated or fancy things that do not suit their current needs or capacity.
అలవాలకు దోవెక్కడ అంటే, ఉలవలకు దున్నుతున్నాను అన్నాడట.
alavalaku dovekkada ante, ulavalaku dunnutunnanu annadata.
When asked 'Where is the way to Alavalu?', he replied 'I am ploughing for horse gram'.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gives a completely irrelevant or disconnected answer to a question, often due to a lack of attention, hearing impairment, or a deliberate attempt to avoid the topic. It signifies a total lack of communication or synchronization between two people.
తలంబ్రాలకూ తద్దినాలకూ ఒకే మంత్రమా?
talambralaku taddinalaku oke mantrama?
Is it the same mantra for wedding rituals and funeral rites?
This expression is used to criticize someone who uses the same approach or logic for two completely different or opposing situations. It highlights that one cannot treat a joyous, auspicious occasion (like a wedding) and a solemn, inauspicious event (like a funeral) with the same set of rules or methods.
పల్లమునకు ఒక దుక్కి, మెట్టకు నాలుగు దుక్కులు
pallamunaku oka dukki, mettaku nalugu dukkulu
One plowing for the lowlands, four plowings for the highlands.
This proverb highlights the difference in agricultural effort required based on land type. Lowlands (wetlands) retain moisture and are easier to prepare, whereas highlands (drylands) require intensive tilling to become fertile. It is used metaphorically to explain that different tasks or individuals require different levels of effort and strategy to achieve success.
నూరు పూసలకు ఒకే కొలికి
nuru pusalaku oke koliki
One clasp for a hundred beads.
This expression is used to describe a central idea, person, or solution that connects many different elements together. It implies that while there may be many components (beads), they are all unified or held together by a single point (the clasp). It is often used to describe a common theme in a story or a single solution that resolves multiple problems.
తాగినదుక్కి తప్పక పండును.
taginadukki tappaka pandunu.
A field ploughed with full moisture will definitely yield crops.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and timing. 'Thagina Dukki' refers to a field that has been ploughed while it still has sufficient moisture (vatta). It implies that if the initial foundation or preparation is done correctly and at the right time, success is guaranteed.
నల్లనేలకు నువ్వులు, ఎర్రనేలకు కందులు
nallanelaku nuvvulu, erranelaku kandulu
Sesame for black soil, red gram for red soil.
This proverb highlights the importance of choosing the right resources or people for a specific task based on their nature and suitability. Just as sesame thrives in black soil and pigeon peas (red gram) grow best in red soil, success depends on aligning strategies with the environment or context.