పొయ్యి అరిస్తే బంధువులు, కుక్కలు కూస్తే కరువు

poyyi ariste bandhuvulu, kukkalu kuste karuvu

Translation

If the fire place cries out ( i. e. if the wood sings ) relations [ are coming ], if the dogs bark a famine [ may be expected ].

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu proverb based on folk beliefs. It suggests that certain sounds or signs predict future events: the whistling or crackling of a traditional wood-burning stove is seen as a sign that guests/relatives are coming to visit, whereas the unusual howling of dogs is considered an ill omen signaling impending drought or famine.

Notes

Let us have florins and we shall find cousins. ( Italian. )†

Related Phrases

If the seasons (Kartelu) deceive, famines will follow.

This traditional Telugu proverb emphasizes the dependency of agriculture on the 'Kartelu' (astrological seasonal periods that dictate rainfall). It means that if the rains do not arrive during their designated seasonal periods, it leads to crop failure and eventually famine. It is used to highlight the importance of timely natural cycles for survival.

Does an elephant lose its dignity just because dogs bark at it?

This expression is used to convey that the status or reputation of a great person is not diminished by the petty criticisms or insults of insignificant or inferior people. It suggests that one should ignore baseless noise and maintain their composure.

If the stove makes a sound, relatives arrive; if a dog barks, news arrives.

This is a traditional folk belief or superstition in Telugu culture. It suggests that specific sounds or omens predict future events: the crackling or whistling sound of a wood-burning stove (hearth) is seen as a sign that guests or relatives are coming, while the barking or howling of a dog is believed to precede the arrival of news or messages.

Far from relatives, near to a well

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone moves away from their family and relatives to live in a solitary or secluded place, or when someone prefers peace and basic necessities over the complications of social circles. It highlights the choice of isolation or self-sufficiency over family ties.

If foxes howl, dogs do not bark.

This proverb is used to describe situations where superior or more capable individuals do not stoop down to respond to the noise or provocations of inferior or malicious people. It highlights the difference in dignity and behavior between different classes of people.

A star when seen (sitting), a dog when it gets up.

This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.

Like it rained because the frogs croaked

This expression is used to describe a logical fallacy where someone attributes a natural or inevitable event to a coincidental action. It highlights how people mistakenly claim credit for things that were going to happen anyway, similar to thinking that a frog's croaking actually caused the rain to fall.

Just because he is a relative, will he remove the bonds (of debt or sin)?

This expression is typically used to imply that even if someone is a close relative or a god-like figure, they cannot exempt you from your responsibilities, the consequences of your actions (Karma), or legal/financial obligations. It emphasizes that rules, justice, or the results of one's deeds remain the same regardless of personal relationships.

Borrowing during a famine

This expression describes a situation where one is forced to seek a loan or credit during a time of extreme scarcity or crisis. It signifies an act of desperation or a burden upon an already struggling person, as borrowing during a famine is difficult to repay and even harder to obtain.

There is no relative greater than a brother-in-law.

This proverb highlights the unique and close bond shared between a man and his brother-in-law (specifically his wife's brother or sister's husband) in Telugu culture. It suggests that this relationship is often characterized by friendship, mutual support, and a lack of the formal tensions sometimes found in other familial ties.