ఓటి కుండలోన వట్రిడు పలికితే వచ్చిందే వాన

oti kundalona vatridu palikite vachchinde vana

Translation

If a dragonfly chirps inside a broken pot, rain is sure to follow.

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.