ఉత్తర పదును ఉలవకు అదను
uttara padunu ulavaku adanu
The moisture from the Uttara rain is the right time for horse gram.
This is an agricultural proverb (sameta) indicating that the rainfall during the Uttara Karti (a specific solar mansion) provides the ideal soil moisture for sowing horse gram (ulavalu). It is used to emphasize the importance of timing and seasonal alignment in farming.
Related Phrases
వెదజల్లే అదను అయితే వెలుగులో చల్లినా మంచిదే.
vedajalle adanu ayite velugulo challina manchide.
If the time is right for sowing, it is fine even to sow in the moonlight.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of timing (opportunism) and seizing the right moment. It suggests that when favorable conditions align, one should act immediately and not worry about minor unconventionalities or secondary factors.
కొండను చదరపెట్టి ఉలవ జల్లినట్లు.
kondanu chadarapetti ulava jallinatlu.
Like leveling a mountain just to sow horse gram.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts in an enormous amount of effort or resources for a very small, insignificant, or low-value gain. It highlights a lack of proportion between the hard work invested and the actual result achieved.
ఆకు చుట్టను, ఆడదాన్ని నమ్మరాదు
aku chuttanu, adadanni nammaradu
One should not trust a hand-rolled cigar (chutta) or a woman.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb expressing a historical bias. It suggests that a leaf-cigar is unreliable because it can extinguish or burn unevenly at any moment, and metaphorically claims that a woman's mind is unpredictable or untrustworthy. It is used to caution someone against relying on things or people perceived as fickle.
ఆరుద్ర వాన అదను వాన
arudra vana adanu vana
Rain in the Arudra star period is the timely rain.
This proverb highlights the agricultural importance of rains occurring during the Arudra Karti (mid-June). It signifies that rain during this specific period is perfectly timed for sowing crops and ensures a bountiful harvest, making it the most critical rainfall for farmers.
పదను తప్పినా, అదను తప్పినా పన్నుదండుగే
padanu tappina, adanu tappina pannudanduge
If the sharpness is lost or the right time is missed, the tax is a waste.
This proverb is primarily used in the context of agriculture but applies to any time-sensitive task. It means that if your tools aren't sharp (readiness) or if you miss the specific window of opportunity (timing), all the effort and money (taxes/investment) put into the endeavor will be a total loss. It emphasizes that both preparation and timing are crucial for success.
ఈదాడన్నను మదనుడు కోదాడనువాడు.
idadannanu madanudu kodadanuvadu.
If one says 'this place', Madana says 'Kodada'.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is intentionally argumentative or contradictory. When one person suggests a direction or an idea, the other person contrarily suggests something completely different just for the sake of opposing.
అన్నానికి పదను తప్పినా, భూమికి అదను తప్పినా పనికిరావు
annaniki padanu tappina, bhumiki adanu tappina panikiravu
If rice misses its cooking consistency or land misses its seasonal timing, they are of no use.
This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and precision. Just as rice becomes unpalatable if not cooked to the right texture, agricultural land will not yield crops if the specific sowing season (adunu) is missed. It is used to suggest that opportunities must be seized at the right moment to be effective.
తులవ నోటికి ఉలవపప్ప.
tulava notiki ulavapappa.
Horse gram dal for a wicked mouth.
This proverb suggests that harsh or rude people deserve equally tough or unpleasant treatment. Just as horse gram is considered a hard, inferior grain compared to others, a person with a foul mouth should be met with responses or consequences that match their behavior.
ఉత్తర చూసి ఎత్తర గంప
uttara chusi ettara gampa
Look at Uttara and lift the basket
This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to the 'Uttara' Nakshatra (monsoon rain period). It implies that once the Uttara rains begin, the harvest season is ending or the rains will be so heavy that one should pack up their tools and prepare for the next stage. In a broader sense, it means to act promptly according to the signs of the environment or timing.
ఉత్తర చూచి ఎత్తర గంప
uttara chuchi ettara gampa
Take up your basket [of seed ] when you see [the sun in] Uttara. Uttara is one of the twenty-seven lunar mansions. When the sun is in Uttara there is invariably rain, and seed is then sown. Make hay while the sun shines. Know your opportunity. (Latin.)
Uttara is a specific Vedic rain star (Nakshatra). This proverb is used in an agricultural context, suggesting that when the Uttara rain arrives, it is time to harvest and pack the produce in baskets. It signifies being ready to reap the rewards of one's hard work at the right moment.