పది ఆమడల వర్షంతో పరగడ గుట్టం పరుగెత్తలేదు

padi amadala varshanto paragada guttam parugettaledu

Translation

Even with ten leagues of rain, the dry hillock cannot run away.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe an extremely lazy, sluggish, or unresponsive person. Just as a heavy rainfall cannot move a massive, stationary hill, no amount of motivation, pressure, or change in circumstances can make a fundamentally idle person act or change their ways.

Related Phrases

When we hear of Dâl and rice we should run for it, even though it be hundred miles off. Said of a greedy Brahman.

This proverb highlights the immense value and comfort of a simple, wholesome meal like dal-rice (pappannam). It is used to describe how someone is willing to go to great lengths or travel long distances for something they truly cherish or find satisfying, often used in the context of food or simple pleasures.

If asked to run even ten miles for vermilion, they say 'here is the veil'.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is overly eager or excessively prepared for something before it is even necessary. It highlights a situation where someone jumps to a later stage of a process out of impatience or over-enthusiasm, often missing the point of the current effort.

She woke up when the crow cawed, cooked rice like soot and bitter gourd pepper stew, and then served it running frantically by the time the cattle returned.

This satirical proverb describes someone who is extremely inefficient or slow despite having plenty of time. Even though she started her chores at dawn (when the crow caws), she managed to cook poorly and was still rushing frantically to serve the meal by sunset (when the cattle return). It is used to mock people who waste time and create unnecessary chaos at the last minute.

Will an inauspicious direction stop a man running for his life?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person in extreme danger or emergency does not care about superstitions, omens, or minor obstacles. 'Vaarashoola' refers to an astrological belief that traveling in certain directions on certain days is unlucky. The saying suggests that when survival is at stake, such trivial rules are ignored.

They say one should travel even ten amadas (distance) for a meal with dal.

This proverb highlights the high value placed on 'Pappu' (dal/lentils) in Telugu culture. It suggests that a simple, nutritious, and satisfying meal is worth any amount of effort or travel. It is used to describe something so desirable or beneficial that the distance or struggle to obtain it becomes irrelevant.

Rain during the Arudra season is equal to nectar.

This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the importance of the Arudra Karthe (a specific astronomical period in the Telugu calendar). Farmers believe that rainfall during this period is extremely beneficial for crops, acting like a life-giving elixir (Amrutham) that ensures a high yield and healthy soil.

When asked why the donkey was running, it said 'I joined the herd and my fear vanished.'

This proverb describes a situation where an individual gains artificial courage or confidence simply by being part of a group, even if they lack individual strength or purpose. It is used to mock someone who acts bold only when supported by a crowd.

Does a coward who runs away care for women?

This proverb is used to mock those who lack courage or honor. It implies that a person who flees from their responsibilities or a battlefield out of fear is too preoccupied with their own safety to care about dignity, relationships, or the well-being of their loved ones.

Only the running ox is driven faster

This expression describes a situation where a person who is already working hard or performing well is given even more work or pressure, while those who are idle are ignored. It is used to highlight the tendency to overburden the efficient.

Coming all the way to the village only to start running right in front of the village gate.

This proverb describes someone who completes the hardest part of a task or a long journey successfully, but fails, panics, or acts foolishly at the very last moment. It is used to critique lack of endurance or composure during the final stages of an endeavor.