వరిపొట్టకి పుట్టుడు నీరు.

varipottaki puttudu niru.

Translation

A 'puttudu' (huge quantity) of water for the rice-ear.

Meaning

This proverb describes the critical stage of a paddy crop when the grain starts forming inside the sheath (the 'pregnancy' stage of the plant). During this specific phase, the crop requires an abundance of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to highlight that certain tasks or life stages require specific, heavy investment or care at the right moment to be successful.

Related Phrases

A basketful of water for a crop in its booting stage.

This proverb highlights a critical phase in agriculture. 'Potta' refers to the stage where the grain is forming inside the stalk (booting stage). During this specific time, the crop requires an abundant and timely supply of water to ensure a good yield. It is used to emphasize that providing the right resources at the most critical moment is essential for success.

Water runs towards water. Men haste to help those of their own caste, &c.

This proverb is used to describe things that naturally follow a specific path or instinct. Just as water naturally flows toward lower ground (slopes), certain events or human tendencies are inevitable. It is often used to imply that truth will eventually come out or that people naturally gravitate towards their own kind or interests.

The alms received witness to those who gave; those who gave not, truly do not receive. If the charitable become poor, they will not ask for help in vain ; but the uncharitable will obtain nothing.

This proverb highlights that the results of charity or kind deeds are visible through the prosperity and well-being of future generations (descendants). Conversely, those who are miserly or unkind leave no such legacy behind. It is used to emphasize that one's generosity is often reflected in the success of their children or the enduring impact of their legacy.

Having eaten a bushel of food, [he begs] for cakes as it's Sunday.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely greedy or never satisfied. It refers to someone who eats a full, hearty meal yet still demands special delicacies like 'atlu' (pancakes) under the pretext of a holiday or tradition. It highlights insatiable hunger or unreasonable demands for more even after being well-provided for.

Sunday is a fast day among some sects. Great greediness.

A short person has a basketful of brains.

This proverb is used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature or height, they often make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunningness. It implies that short people are exceptionally sharp-minded.

Water in a field that is naturally seeping or springing.

This expression refers to a situation or resource that is constant and self-replenishing. Just as a field with a natural spring (oota) never runs dry, it describes someone with inexhaustible talent, wealth, or a continuous flow of ideas.

Whether it is for food or for clothing, it is Mother Earth who provides.

This expression highlights the fundamental importance of the earth (land) as the source of all basic necessities. 'Potta' (stomach/food) refers to agriculture and crops, while 'Batta' (cloth) refers to natural fibers like cotton. It is used to emphasize that everything we need to survive ultimately comes from the soil and to express gratitude or respect for nature and agriculture.

If you lie, you won't get food; if you tell the truth, you won't even get water.

This expression describes a 'catch-22' or a 'lose-lose' situation. It is used when a person is stuck between two choices where honesty might lead to immediate trouble or lack of support, but dishonesty is morally wrong and unsustainable. It highlights the difficulty of being truthful in certain social or practical circumstances.

A short person has a basketful of brains/wisdom.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature, they make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunning. It is often used playfully or as a cautionary remark about not underestimating someone based on their small height.

The new water came and washed away the old water. A little gain once was the cause of all being lost eventually.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where new people, ideas, or trends replace old ones completely. It is often used when a newcomer takes over the position or influence of someone who has been there for a long time, or when modern methods render traditional ones obsolete.