ఓటి కుండలోన వట్రిడు పలికితే వచ్చిందే వాన
oti kundalona vatridu palikite vachchinde vana
If a dragonfly chirps inside a broken pot, rain is sure to follow.
This is a traditional Telugu folk saying used to describe certain natural indicators or omens of rain. In rural folklore, the specific sound or presence of insects like dragonflies (vattridu) in unusual places like a broken pot was believed to be a guaranteed sign of an approaching monsoon or heavy rainfall.
Related Phrases
పొద్దున్నే వచ్చిన వాన, పొద్దు తిరిగి వచ్చిన చుట్టం పోరు.
poddunne vachchina vana, poddu tirigi vachchina chuttam poru.
Rain that comes in the morning and a relative who arrives late in the day will not leave quickly.
This proverb highlights two situations that are known to persist for a long duration. Morning rain often indicates a rainy day ahead, and a relative arriving in the evening is likely to stay overnight. It is used to describe situations or guests that are expected to linger for quite some time.
వాన వచ్చినందుకు వంకపారిందే గుర్తు.
vana vachchinanduku vankaparinde gurtu.
The stream flowing is the only proof that it rained.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a significant event or person is only remembered or acknowledged because of a specific visible result or a lingering effect, rather than the event itself. It can also imply that someone only receives credit when a tangible outcome is seen.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్లు
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinatlu
Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.
ఓటికుండలో నీరు పోసినట్లు
otikundalo niru posinatlu
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.
ముక్కు ఉన్నంత వరకు పడిశం ఉంటుంది
mukku unnanta varaku padisham untundi
As long as there is a nose, there will be a cold (congestion).
This proverb is used to describe a problem or a situation that is an inherent or inevitable part of life. It implies that as long as something exists, the minor troubles associated with it will also persist, and one must learn to live with them rather than expecting perfection.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
చీకితే లేనిది, నాకితే వస్తుందా?
chikite lenidi, nakite vastunda?
Will what is not there when sucked, appear when licked?
This proverb is used to highlight the futility of trying different methods to obtain something that simply does not exist or is unavailable. It suggests that if a substantial effort (sucking) yielded nothing, a superficial effort (licking) will certainly not produce results. It is often used to mock someone who keeps trying pointless alternatives for a hopeless cause.
ఓటికుండలోన ఉండునా నీరంబు?
otikundalona unduna nirambu?
Will water stay in a broken pot?
This expression is used to illustrate that resources, secrets, or wealth cannot be preserved or accumulated if the container (or person) is fundamentally flawed or lacks integrity. Just as water leaks from a pot with holes, efforts spent on a person with bad habits or a system with deep flaws will always go to waste.
నలుగురు నడిచిందే బాట, పలువురు పలికిందే మాట
naluguru nadichinde bata, paluvuru palikinde mata
The path walked by four (the majority) is the way; the word spoken by many is the truth.
This proverb emphasizes social consensus and the power of the majority. It suggests that a path becomes established only when many people follow it, and a statement gains the weight of truth or law when it is widely accepted by the community. It is used to describe following traditions or acknowledging public opinion.
వానకన్నా ముందే వరదనా?
vanakanna munde varadana?
Is there a flood even before the rain?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the consequences or reactions appear prematurely, even before the actual event or cause has occurred. It is often used to critique someone who is overreacting, worrying excessively, or making assumptions before they have any basis in reality.