పశువుల రొచ్చుగుంత, పంటకాపు గుచ్చు పాతర.

pashuvula rochchugunta, pantakapu guchchu patara.

Translation

A slushy pit for cattle, a hidden grain storage pit for the farmer.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how resources or environments are utilized differently based on necessity. Just as a muddy area serves as a resting spot for cattle, a farmer uses a deep, concealed pit (pathara) to safely store and preserve harvested grain from pests and theft. It refers to the resourcefulness of rural life and the importance of secure storage for one's livelihood.

Related Phrases

The stomach burn of a young girl.

This expression refers to the intense, often irrational jealousy or envy felt by a young person towards others. It is commonly used to describe the competitive nature or the 'evil eye' (disti) that arises from youth when they see others succeeding or possessing something they desire.

The tamarind that bears fruit and flowers, the market for oleander, the small vessel near the water pot—what will you take for sleep?

This is a traditional Telugu folk riddle or a rhythmic nursery rhyme (lullaby style). It describes a series of everyday objects and nature scenes in a rhyming pattern, used to distract or soothe a child into sleeping. It reflects rural life where tamarind trees, flower markets, and water pots were central themes.

Like the river Ganges flowing over a sparrow's puddle.

This expression describes a situation where an overwhelming, immense force or resource is applied to a tiny, insignificant problem. It is used when the effort or solution is vastly disproportionate to the actual need, often implying that the small entity or issue will be completely submerged or trivialized by the greatness of the incoming force.

How small is the Pichiguntla man's wedding, and how much can its grandeur be?

This proverb is used to comment on situations where someone with very limited resources or a low status attempts to put on a grand show, or when the expectations of success are naturally limited by one's humble circumstances. It highlights the mismatch between one's actual capacity and an exaggerated display of pomp.

The time the cattle arrive and the time the bride arrives.

This expression refers to the auspiciousness and good fortune associated with bringing home a new cow or a new bride. It implies that certain events or arrivals bring luck, prosperity, and a change in the family's destiny. It is often used to emphasize the importance of timing and the positive vibes new members (livestock or family) bring to a household.

Farming is possible only if there are young cattle.

This proverb emphasizes that any task or enterprise requires energetic and youthful resources to be successful. Just as farming depends on the strength of young oxen, any organization or project needs the vigor of youth and health to sustain productivity and progress.

Cattle's milk depends on the fodder.

The quality or quantity of the output depends entirely on the input or effort provided. Just as a cow gives more milk when fed better, success in any endeavor is proportional to the resources or hard work invested.

The Swati crane and the farmer will only stay where there is water.

This proverb highlights pragmatism and necessity. Just as a crane stays by a water body for food and a farmer stays by a water source for his livelihood, people generally gravitate toward places or situations where their needs are met or where there is a benefit for them.

They worship the stone animal, but they beat the living animal in their hand.

This proverb highlights human hypocrisy and irony. It refers to people who offer great respect and rituals to idols (stone statues) while mistreating or neglecting the actual living beings or family members right in front of them. It is used to criticize those who value religious symbolism over practical compassion.

Even animals and infants can experience the essence of music.

This expression highlights the universal power of music. It suggests that music is a divine and primal force that transcends language and intellect, capable of soothing or attracting even animals and newborn babies who do not understand lyrics or complex concepts.