వేరుకు అందాలి నీరు, కంకికి అందాలి పైరగాలి
veruku andali niru, kankiki andali pairagali
The root must receive water, and the ear of the grain must receive the cool breeze.
This is an agricultural proverb highlighting the specific needs of a crop at different stages or parts. It means that while the foundation (roots) requires nourishment and stability (water), the result or output (the grain ear) requires the right environmental conditions and aeration (breeze) to flourish. It is often used to describe how different aspects of a project or a person's life need different types of support to achieve overall success.
Related Phrases
చేతికి అందనిది నోటికి అందదు
chetiki andanidi notiki andadu
That which does not reach the hand will not reach the mouth.
This proverb highlights the uncertainty of life and the gap between effort and actual result. It is used to describe situations where something that seems very close to being achieved is lost at the last moment, or when one cannot rely on something until it is fully secured.
పొట్ట పైరుకు పుట్టెడు నీరు
potta pairuku puttedu niru
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.
చేను పండాలి, ఇల్లు నిండాలి
chenu pandali, illu nindali
The crop should yield well, and the house should be full.
This is a traditional Telugu blessing or wish for prosperity. It reflects an agrarian society's definition of success: a bountiful harvest in the fields (chenu) leading to a household filled with food, wealth, and happiness (illu). It is used to express hopes for overall well-being and abundance.
నెమలి కంట నీరు కారితే వేటగానికి ముద్దా?
nemali kanta niru karite vetaganiki mudda?
If the peacock shed tears, will the hunter's heart be moved ?
This expression means that a person with malicious intent or a cold heart will not be moved by the suffering or tears of their victim. It is used to describe situations where someone remains indifferent to another's pain because their goal is to exploit or harm them.
అంచుల అందాలు చూసి అందరూ మోసాల పాలయినట్టు.
anchula andalu chusi andaru mosala palayinattu.
Like everyone falling into deception after seeing the beauty of the edges.
This expression suggests being misled or deceived by superficial or external appearances without understanding the deeper reality or the dangers within. It is used to warn someone not to be swayed by outward glitter or initial impressions, as they can often be a facade for trouble or betrayal.
పులికి మేక అండ, మేకకు పులి అండ
puliki meka anda, mekaku puli anda
The tiger is the goat's support, and the goat is the tiger's support.
This expression describes a situation of mutual dependency or a symbiotic relationship where two unlikely or even opposing parties rely on each other for survival or benefit. It is used to highlight how seemingly contradictory elements can sometimes form a necessary partnership.
పెసరకు పైరుగాలి, పసరానికి నోటిగాలి ప్రమాదం
pesaraku pairugali, pasaraniki notigali pramadam
Wind from the fields is dangerous for green gram, and foot-and-mouth disease is dangerous for cattle.
This proverb highlights agricultural and livestock vulnerabilities. It suggests that just as specific winds can ruin a green gram (moong dal) crop, certain mouth/respiratory infections (like FMD) are fatal to cattle. It is used to emphasize that specific conditions or diseases can be disproportionately destructive to specific assets.
మంగలి పాత, చాకలి కొత్త
mangali pata, chakali kotta
An old barber and a new washerman. An old physician, a young lawyer. A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.
This proverb refers to traditional preferences in village life: a barber's razor or tools are considered better when they are 'old' (well-seasoned/tested), whereas a washerman is judged by how 'new' (clean/fresh) the clothes look. It is used to describe how different professions or situations require different standards—some value experience and age, while others value freshness and appearance.
కొత్త నీరు వచ్చి పాత నీరు కొట్టుకుపోయినట్లు
kotta niru vachchi pata niru kottukupoyinatlu
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.
రాత్రికి వెన్నెల అందం, చేనుకు కంకులు అందం
ratriki vennela andam, chenuku kankulu andam
Moonlight is the beauty of the night, while ears of grain are the beauty of the field
This expression highlights that everything has a specific element that gives it completeness and beauty. Just as the night is incomplete without the moon, a crop field is only truly beautiful and purposeful when it bears grain. It is often used to describe how certain attributes or outcomes define the true value of an entity.