పలుచని పైరు పాతరలు నింపు

paluchani pairu pataralu nimpu

Translation

A thin crop fills the granaries

Meaning

This is an agricultural proverb implying that crops planted with proper spacing (thinly) yield better results than those planted too densely. It is used to convey that quality and proper management are more important than sheer quantity or overcrowding for a successful outcome.

Related Phrases

An excessively thick crop does not yield a harvest.

This expression means that when plants (or any tasks/resources) are overcrowded or excessive in number, they lack the space and nutrients to grow properly, eventually leading to failure. It is used to suggest that quantity does not guarantee quality or results, and that 'too much of a good thing' can be counterproductive.

If the crop is sparse, the underground pits fill up; if it is dense, the haystacks will be abundant.

This agricultural proverb explains the trade-off in grain production. When plants are spaced out (sparse), each plant produces heavy, high-quality grain that fills storage pits (pāthallu). When the crop is dense, there is more vegetation leading to larger haystacks (vāmu), but the grain yield per plant might be less. It is used to suggest that quality or quantity can vary based on density and resource distribution.

A basketful of water for a crop in its booting stage.

This proverb highlights a critical phase in agriculture. 'Potta' refers to the stage where the grain is forming inside the stalk (booting stage). During this specific time, the crop requires an abundant and timely supply of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to emphasize that providing the right resources at the most critical moment is essential for success.

Thick growth seeks haystacks, thin growth seeks pits.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to harvesting. It means that when a crop grows densely (thickly), it results in a large quantity of fodder/straw that needs to be stacked as 'vamulu' (haystacks). Conversely, if the yield is thin or sparse, the grain or produce is just enough to be stored in 'pathara' (underground storage pits). It is used to describe the relationship between the density of a crop and the resulting storage requirements.

Thinly spread pits are desired; thick haystacks are desired.

This is an agricultural proverb related to paddy cultivation. It suggests that when storing grain in underground pits (pathallu), it should be spread thinly to prevent spoilage or heat. Conversely, when stacking hay (vamulu), it should be packed tightly and thickly to ensure stability and space efficiency. It is used to describe the principle of doing the right thing in the right way according to the context.

While coming it fills the house, while going it fills the backyards.

This is a traditional Telugu riddle where the answer is 'broom' (poraka/cheepuru). When a new broom is brought, it 'fills' the house with cleanliness, and as it wears down over time, the broken sticks are discarded in the backyard, eventually filling it up. It is used to describe things that are useful in their prime but become waste after their purpose is served.

Why should a liar fill her belly's pit?

This expression criticizes the act of deceit for the sake of material gain or sustenance. It suggests that acquiring food or wealth through lies and dishonesty is ignoble and questions the integrity of a person who resorts to falsehoods just to satisfy their basic hunger.

When milk was given out of pity, he poured it out saying it was too thin.

This proverb describes someone who is ungrateful or overly critical of an act of kindness. It is used when a person receives help or a gift but instead of being thankful, they find minor faults in it and reject or complain about it.

For a woman with thin thighs, the calf muscles seem large.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a minor asset or quality appears significant only because the primary or fundamental aspects are lacking. It highlights how relativity can make small things seem disproportionately large when compared to something even smaller or weaker.

If seven seeds fall in a bullock's footprint, the crop will be thin.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to explain optimal spacing in farming. It suggests that if seeds are sown too densely (represented by seven seeds fitting into the small space of a hoof print), the resulting plants will be overcrowded, leading to a poor or 'thin' yield. It emphasizes the importance of proper seed distribution for a healthy harvest.