పుబ్బ రేగినా బూతు రేగినా నిలవదు

pubba regina butu regina nilavadu

Translation

If Pubba bursts forth ( in rain ) or if obscenity breaks out, they won't stop.

Meaning

This proverb refers to the 'Pubba' rain (part of the rainy season in the Telugu calendar), which is known for its sudden, intense, and loud outbursts that subside quickly. It compares this natural phenomenon to a person's sudden outburst of foul language or anger, suggesting that both are temporary and will inevitably die down soon.

Notes

Pubba is the eleventh lunar mansion. If the first of July it be rainy weather, 'Twill rain more or less for four weeks together.

Related Phrases

If a saint gets provoked or if vulgarity breaks out, it won't end easily.

This proverb suggests that certain things, once triggered, are difficult to contain or calm down. A quiet, patient person (Saint) once pushed to anger becomes extremely fierce, and similarly, once a situation turns foul or vulgar, the unpleasantness lingers or escalates uncontrollably.

If the teacher gets angry or if the horse gets restless, it results in trouble.

This proverb highlights that certain situations or people must be handled with extreme care. If a mentor/teacher is provoked, the student loses knowledge; if a horse is agitated, the rider faces physical danger. It is used to suggest that one should avoid provoking those who have power over our well-being or progress.

Even if you sew the mouth of a gossip-monger shut, it won't stay quiet.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot keep secrets or stop talking ill of others. It implies that a habitual gossip or a person with a loose tongue will always find a way to blabber, regardless of any attempts to restrain or silence them.

Like a fox with its tail cut off

This expression is used to describe a person who has lost their influence, status, or power and is now moving about with shame or embarrassment. It often refers to someone who was once cunning or arrogant but has been humbled by a defeat or failure, making them look miserable or pathetic.

Advice given [ will be forgotten ]; and stale food tied up [ in a bundle ] will not keep. Advice whispered in the ear is worth a jeer.

This proverb suggests that wisdom or advice provided by others is often temporary and easily forgotten, much like packed food that eventually runs out or spoils. It emphasizes that true realization and lasting change must come from within oneself rather than relying on external instructions.

Neither dust nor abuse can be stopped when they rise; if the law is provoked to its limit, it is like a ghost being unleashed.

This proverb suggests that certain things, once set in motion—like rising dust or vulgar insults—are difficult to contain. It specifically warns that when the law or a legal system is stretched to its breaking point or provoked excessively, it can become as uncontrollable and destructive as a raging spirit or ghost. It is used to emphasize the importance of restraint and the unpredictable consequences of legal or social upheaval.

If the jaw (speech/hunger) flares up or if the club (violence) flares up, it is hard to stop.

This proverb is used to describe situations that have escalated beyond control. 'Davada' (jaw) refers to either incessant talking/arguing or extreme hunger, while 'Daddu' (club/staff) refers to physical violence or mob fury. It implies that once a verbal conflict or physical aggression reaches a certain intensity, it is nearly impossible to contain or restrain.

Whether the jaw moves or the shuttle moves, they don't stop.

This expression refers to people who are constantly talking or constantly busy with work. 'Davada' (jaw) refers to non-stop talking or eating, while 'Dabdara' (a large weaving needle/shuttle) refers to continuous manual labor. It is used to describe a person who is never idle.

If a saintly person is provoked, even a field is not enough for the head to rest.

This proverb highlights the intensity of the anger of a calm and patient person. It means that when a normally peaceful or 'sadhu-like' individual finally loses their temper, their wrath is so uncontrollable and immense that there is no place to hide or find safety.

If a docile ox gets irritated, it will ruin the entire fence.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a normally calm, patient, or quiet person loses their temper. It implies that when a gentle person finally gets angry, the resulting damage or outburst is significantly greater and more destructive than that of a naturally aggressive person.