వైరికిగాని వడ్లు మెదగవు

vairikigani vadlu medagavu

Translation

The rice will not be pounded except by the enemy. i. e. the rice-pounder. Severe measures are required for the stubborn.

Meaning

This proverb implies that certain tasks cannot be accomplished without exertion, pressure, or even a degree of conflict/opposition. Just as grain needs the forceful impact of a pestle to be processed, some results in life require a 'sparring partner' or a challenge to manifest.

Related Phrases

Sandalwood paste and sacred rice for a face that is not even seen.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is putting in excessive effort or providing honors to a person who is absent, unknown, or irrelevant. It highlights the pointlessness of showing respect or decorating something that isn't present or visible.

There is no king like Rama, and no enemy like Ravana.

This expression highlights the extremes of quality and character. It is used to describe a situation where one encounters either the absolute best example of something (symbolized by Lord Rama's ideal kingship) or the most formidable and powerful opposition (symbolized by Ravana's strength as an adversary).

Rains do not stop just because floods might occur.

This proverb conveys that essential natural processes or necessary actions do not stop just because they might lead to some difficulties. It is used to suggest that one should not stop working or progressing out of fear of potential risks or side effects that are beyond their control.

If there is strength in the forearm, grains can be ground with the wrists.

This expression emphasizes the importance of inherent capability and physical strength. It suggests that if a person possesses true internal power or skill, they can perform difficult tasks with ease using even the smallest parts of their body or minimal tools. It is used to motivate someone to build their core strengths.

A washerman will only wash for one who thrashes him.

This proverb implies that people will only work diligently or honestly for someone who already understands the process and can identify flaws in the work. It is used to suggest that if you don't have knowledge about a task, others might take advantage of your ignorance or do a sub-par job.

There is a pun here on the word Utuku : it is the term used for beat- ing clothes—the Indian washerman's mode of cleansing them—and it also signifies in jocular language to " drub" or " thrash."

While he was winnowing one Tûm of rice, the rats devoured five Tûms.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort put into a small task results in a disproportionately large loss elsewhere due to negligence. It is used to mock people who focus on trivial matters while ignoring significant damage occurring right under their noses, or when the cost of an operation exceeds the benefit gained.

Tûm is the Indian bushel.

Like mixing curd and paddy (unhusked rice)

This expression describes an incompatible or mismatched combination. Just as mixing curd with unhusked rice makes it impossible to eat or separate effectively, it is used to characterize situations where two things that don't belong together are joined, or when a task is done in a messy, disorganized, and unusable manner.

Like mixing rice in the husk with curds.

This expression is used to describe an incompatible or mismatched combination. Just as smooth yogurt and hard, prickly unhusked rice do not blend well or make for a pleasant meal, it refers to situations where two people, things, or ideas are brought together but do not fit or work in harmony.

No matter who rules, rice won't come without pounding the paddy.

This proverb signifies that regardless of who is in power or what changes occur at the top level, an individual must still work hard to earn their livelihood. It is used to express that systemic changes do not exempt one from their daily labor and responsibilities.

By the time one 'thumu' of grain was winnowed, rats ate up five 'thumus' of grain.

This proverb describes a situation where the effort spent on a small task results in a much larger loss due to negligence or lack of focus on the bigger picture. It is used when someone's trivial gains are outweighed by significant, preventable losses occurring simultaneously.