వెలమలున్న ఊరు - కొంగలున్న మడుగు - ఒకటి.

velamalunna uru - kongalunna madugu - okati.

Translation

A village inhabited by Velamas and a pond inhabited by cranes are the same.

Meaning

This proverb is a social commentary or observational saying from olden times. It suggests that just as cranes stay at a pond only as long as there is fish (prey) and fly away once it is gone, certain influential groups or people might be opportunistic, staying in a place only as long as there is wealth or benefit to be gained. It is used to describe situational loyalty or resource-driven presence.

Related Phrases

Do not walk behind a debtor or someone wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who are in a hurry or in trouble. A debtor is always running away from creditors, and someone with footwear can walk fast or tread on rough ground where you might not be able to keep up. It is used as a metaphor to advise staying away from people who are either fleeing their responsibilities or have an advantage that might lead you into difficult situations.

A village with Velamas and a banyan tree with cranes are one and the same.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social dynamics. It suggests that just as cranes ruin the tree they inhabit with their droppings and noise, a village dominated by certain aggressive or powerful groups can become inhospitable or ruinous for others. It is used to describe an environment that has become difficult to live in due to the nature of its residents.

Even if there are grains in the lap or a wife by the side, one cannot stay still.

This proverb describes a state of restless energy or extreme enthusiasm. It implies that when a person has resources (grains/wealth) or companionship/comfort, they are often driven by an uncontrollable urge to act, move, or do something rather than remaining idle or calm.

A village where paddy does not grow and a village without a leader are one and the same.

This proverb highlights the importance of basic resources (food) and governance (leadership) for a community's survival. Just as a village cannot thrive without agriculture, it cannot function in a civilized or orderly manner without a responsible authority or leader to provide direction and justice.

For a woman who is crying, stories do not flow.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is so overwhelmed by their own troubles, grief, or problems that they cannot focus on or engage in creative, productive, or entertaining activities. It suggests that a disturbed mind cannot offer inspiration or joy.

Nothing survives in a village of Reddys or on a mountain of wild dogs.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social dynamics. It suggests that in a place dominated by powerful, aggressive, or authoritative figures (metaphorically represented by Reddys in a village or dholes/wild dogs on a hill), others find it difficult to thrive or survive due to their dominance or fierce nature. It is used to describe environments where power is concentrated and others are suppressed.

Whether there are three hundred and sixty-four knots of hair or thirty-six small buns, it is all the same.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is no real difference between the choices or outcomes presented, despite how they are counted or categorized. It implies that a large quantity of something disorganized or fragmented is ultimately equal to a smaller quantity of something similarly messy; basically saying 'it's all the same mess' or 'six of one, half a dozen of the other'.

The village where one lives is like one's own mother.

This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and debt of gratitude one owes to their birthplace or hometown. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, the place where one grows up provides sustenance, identity, and a sense of belonging. It is used to encourage patriotism, loyalty to one's roots, or to remind someone never to forget their origins.

A house with boys and a forest with flame-of-the-forest trees are beautiful.

This traditional saying highlights that a household is vibrant and lively when there are children playing, just as a forest looks beautiful and bright when Moduga (Butea monosperma) flowers bloom. It is used to describe the joy and bustle children bring to a family.

Those with children and those with debts should not have shame.

This proverb suggests that people in certain responsibilities must set aside their pride or hesitation to get things done. Parents often have to ask for help or behave in ways they normally wouldn't for the sake of their children, and debtors must be humble and persistent while working to clear their obligations.