పడమట మెరిస్తే, పంది అయినా నీళ్ళకు దిగదు

padamata meriste, pandi ayina nillaku digadu

Translation

If there is lightning in the west, even a pig won't enter the water.

Meaning

This is a traditional agricultural/weather-related proverb. In certain regions, lightning in the western sky is considered a sign of an impending severe drought or lack of rain. It implies that if such a sign appears, even an animal like a pig, which loves water and mud, won't find any water to step into. It is used to describe signs of upcoming scarcity.

Related Phrases

However good the pig may be, it will never cease to eat filth.

This proverb is used to describe an individual's innate or ingrained nature. It suggests that even if someone appears to have changed or improved, they will eventually return to their true, often negative, habits or character when the opportunity arises. It is similar to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.

A hog in armour is still but a hog.

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.

If you give up the core/original, there is no more trouble.

This proverb suggests that if one abandons the root cause of an attachment, desire, or investment, the associated anxieties and troubles disappear. It is often used to describe a situation where letting go of the primary asset or ego brings immediate peace of mind.

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.

If the west wind blows, high-quality rice will grow even on pandals.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb. It signifies that the 'Patamata' (Western/North-western) wind is extremely auspicious and beneficial for the growth of fine rice varieties (Rajanalu). It implies that with favorable nature or the right conditions, even unconventional places can yield great success.

If a cloud as small as a pigeon appears in the west, it will rain down to the depths of the underworld.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to predict heavy rainfall. It suggests that even a tiny cloud appearing in the western sky is a strong indicator of an impending, massive downpour that will saturate the earth deeply. It highlights the observation that weather patterns coming from the west are particularly potent in this region.

If it lightens in the west, it will rain in ten 'Gadiyas'.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb used to predict weather. A 'Gadiya' is a traditional unit of time equal to 24 minutes. The saying suggests that lightning in the western sky is a reliable sign that rainfall will occur within approximately 4 hours (10 gadiyas). It reflects the ancient wisdom of farmers who relied on natural observations for weather forecasting.

A snake is the same whether small or big.

This expression is used to signify that danger or an enemy should not be underestimated based on size or scale. Just as a small snake's venom can be as lethal as a large one's, a problem or opponent remains dangerous regardless of their stature.

Like building a dam after the water has already flowed away

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes corrective action or precautions after the damage has already been done and it is too late to be effective. It is similar to the English proverb 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

If the corner of the clouds (lightning) flashes in the north-east, it will make you sell even your skinny cattle.

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to weather patterns. 'Pondu Moola' refers to the North-East direction (Ishanya). It signifies that if lightning is seen in that specific direction, it predicts a severe drought. The drought will be so intense that farmers, unable to find fodder or water, will be forced to sell off even their weakest, scrawniest cattle for survival.