పండని నేల పందుం కంటే పండే నేల కుంచెడే చాలు

pandani nela pandum kante pande nela kunchede chalu

Translation

Rather than ten measures of barren land, a single measure of fertile land is enough.

Meaning

Quality is far more important than quantity. This proverb is used to explain that having a small amount of something useful or productive is better than having a large amount of something useless. It can apply to land, wealth, or even the character of children.

Related Phrases

If he says it's Śiva's bull, it is Śiva's bull; if he says it's a pig, it is a pig.

This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.

Said of the power of a great and unjust man.

The pits are more numerous than the gunny bags.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the resources or solutions available are far fewer than the problems or needs that exist. It is often applied to financial situations where one's debts or holes (gothulu) are much larger than their savings or bags of wealth (gonelu).

If you plough furrow upon furrow, even a lifeless field will yield a harvest.

This proverb emphasizes the power of persistence and hard work. It suggests that consistent, repeated effort can turn a failure or a barren situation into a success. Just as repeatedly ploughing the same land improves its fertility, constant practice and dedication lead to results in any endeavor.

The day the crop ripens is the festival day.

This expression is used to convey that the real celebration or reward occurs only when efforts yield fruit. It emphasizes that success and prosperity are the true causes for celebration, rather than just the arrival of a calendar date.

If you say it's a bull, it's a bull; if you say it's a pig, it's a pig.

This expression describes a person who is a 'yes-man' or someone who blindly agrees with whatever an influential person says, regardless of the truth or logic. It highlights submissiveness or a lack of independent judgment, often used to mock someone who changes their stance just to please a superior.

Burning and rubbing on the ground. Annoying and ill-treating another.

This expression describes someone who is extremely shy, hesitant, or feeling guilty. It refers to the physical habit of dragging or twisting one's toes on the ground when they are too embarrassed to speak or face someone directly.

If Java plums ripen, the lands will flourish.

This is a traditional agricultural observation. It implies that a bountiful harvest of Jamun (Java plum) fruits indicates favorable weather conditions and a good monsoon, which in turn leads to a successful agricultural season and fertile yields across the lands.

Sleeping to save a quarter-rupee coin resulted in a buffalo eating away measures of rice.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's laziness or attempt to save a small amount of money or effort results in a significant loss. It highlights the consequences of being 'penny wise and pound foolish' or neglecting responsibilities for trivial comfort.

Like wishing for fruit which cannot be reached.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone desires or pursues something that is completely beyond their reach, capability, or status. It highlights the futility of having unrealistic ambitions or craving for unattainable goals.

A fruit ripened after being plucked. Said of a precocious youth.

This expression is used to describe someone who shows maturity, wisdom, or behaviors far beyond their actual age, often used in the context of a child acting like an adult or being 'precocious'. It can also imply someone who has gained experience or 'ripened' prematurely.