ఊచుగల మగవాడు ఊరికిపోతే, పెసరచేను అడ్డమాయె నట.

uchugala magavadu urikipote, pesarachenu addamaye nata.

Translation

When a procrastinating man started for a village, a green gram field came in his way.

Meaning

This proverb is used to mock lazy people who look for the smallest excuse or obstacle to avoid doing work or completing a task. The 'green gram field' is considered a trivial barrier, yet the person uses it as a reason to stop his journey.

Related Phrases

Wife became jaggery, mother became poison.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, usually a man, becomes so infatuated or influenced by his wife that he begins to view his own mother with hostility or disdain. It is used to criticize someone who forgets their parents' sacrifices and treats them poorly after marriage, prioritizing their spouse to an extreme and unfair degree.

Like a Pesara seed on a looking glass. Used with reference to a remark aimed at a particular person, but con- veyed in such general terms that he is unable to take notice of it. He said devil, but meant you. (Dutch.)

This expression describes something that is extremely unstable or short-lived. Just as a small, round green gram seed cannot stay still on a smooth, slippery surface like a mirror and slides off immediately, this phrase is used to refer to people who don't stick to their word, or situations that are highly precarious and transient.

In the ages past he was Kandi and in the time of his fore- fathers he was Pesara. Said of a prosy old fellow who spins long yarns.

This expression is used to highlight the decline in quality, health, or size of things over generations. It suggests that what was considered small or ordinary in the past (like a green gram) is comparable or superior to what is considered significant today (like a pigeon pea), emphasizing the strength and richness of the olden days.

Like a green gram falling on a mirror.

This expression is used to describe something that slides off or fails to stick, just as a smooth seed would bounce or slip off a glass surface. It is often used to characterize a person who is unaffected by advice, warnings, or criticism, or to describe a situation where efforts have no lasting impact.

A quarrel between a husband and wife lasts only as long as a green gram stays on a mirror.

This proverb highlights the transient nature of domestic disputes between couples. Just as a small, smooth seed like a green gram cannot find a grip and quickly slides off a slippery surface like a mirror, a disagreement between a married couple is expected to be fleeting and will resolve itself very quickly.

The one who is alive is the head of the village; the one who is dead is the head of the graveyard.

This proverb is used to describe the harsh reality of social status and hierarchy. It implies that a person's power, influence, and authority only exist as long as they are alive. Once a person dies, their worldly status vanishes, and they are merely the most prominent entity in a graveyard. It is often used to remind people to remain humble or to comment on how quickly influence fades after death.

A quarrel between man and wife only lasts as long as a Pesara seed stays on a looking glass.

This proverb describes the fleeting nature of domestic quarrels between a married couple. Just as a smooth, round seed cannot stay on a slippery mirror and falls off instantly, the arguments between a husband and wife are temporary and resolve very quickly. It is used to advise others not to interfere in a couple's small tiffs, as they will reconcile almost immediately.

If one has to vomit, can the lips stop it?

This expression is used to describe a situation where something inevitable or overwhelming cannot be suppressed by minor or superficial restraints. It implies that when a strong natural force, a deep-seated truth, or a major consequence is about to break out, small attempts to hide or stop it are futile.

The mortar came in the way of the foot which kicked. A fortunate hindrance in the commission of an act of violence.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person's attempt to cause harm or act aggressively backfires, causing them more pain or injury than intended for others. It signifies that one's own impulsive or hostile actions can lead to self-inflicted consequences when they encounter a solid, immovable obstacle.

A resourceful person is an inspiration to the village.

This proverb highlights the importance of an intelligent or resourceful person (Upayavantudu) in a community. It suggests that a person who can find solutions and provide guidance becomes a trendsetter or a driving force (Uravadi) for the entire village. It is used to describe how a single wise person's actions can lead and benefit a whole group.