విత్తనాలుంటేనే పెత్తనాలు.
vittanaluntene pettanalu.
Only if there are seeds, can there be management (authority).
This proverb highlights that one can only exercise authority or manage affairs if they possess the necessary resources or capital. In an agricultural context, it means without seeds to sow, there is no farm to manage; in a broader sense, it implies that financial stability is the foundation of influence and leadership.
Related Phrases
మెత్తనాళ్లు పోయినవి, చెత్తనాళ్లు వచ్చినవి
mettanallu poyinavi, chettanallu vachchinavi
The days of bedding are gone, the days of straw have come. The reverses of fortune.
This expression is used to describe a transition from a period of prosperity, ease, or high quality to a period of hardship, low quality, or difficult times. It signifies that the 'golden days' are over and one must now deal with inferior or challenging circumstances.
మెత్తనాళ్ళు పోయినవి, చెత్తనాళ్ళు వచ్చినవి.
mettanallu poyinavi, chettanallu vachchinavi.
The soft/gentle days are gone, and the trashy/difficult days have arrived.
This expression is used to describe a transition from a period of prosperity, comfort, and easy living to a period of hardship, low quality, or unfavorable conditions. It highlights a decline in the standard or quality of life or circumstances.
ఉలిపికట్టె కేలరా ఊళ్ళో పెత్తనాలు?
ulipikatte kelara ullo pettanalu?
Why does a worthless person need to manage village affairs?
This proverb is used to criticize someone who lacks capability or status but attempts to boss others around or take charge of important matters. It suggests that individuals should know their place and not interfere in things beyond their merit.
కాలంలో విత్తనాలు కలలోనైనా చల్లాలి.
kalamlo vittanalu kalalonaina challali.
Seeds must be sown in the right season, even if it is only in a dream.
This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and punctuality. It suggests that certain tasks must be performed during their designated time to be successful. Even if one is unable to do it physically, the intent and preparation should be there, highlighting that missing a seasonal opportunity leads to failure.
గరిసె విత్తనాలు పోసి, గంపెడు విత్తనాలు తెచ్చుకొన్నట్లు
garise vittanalu posi, gampedu vittanalu techchukonnatlu
Like pouring a granary's worth of seeds and bringing back a basketful.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive investment or effort results in a very small or disproportionate return. It signifies a loss or a failed venture where the output is significantly less than the input.
పెట్టనమ్మ పెట్టదు గానీ, పెట్టే అమ్మను పెట్టనివ్వదు.
pettanamma pettadu gani, pette ammanu pettanivvadu.
A woman who does not give [ alms ] will never give ; what evil has happened to the jade who does give ?
This proverb describes a person who neither does a good deed themselves nor allows others to do it. It is used to criticize dog-in-the-manger behavior where someone obstructs progress or charity despite having no intention of contributing themselves.
Said by a beggar of one from whom he generally received alms.
విత్తనము కొద్దీ మొక్క
vittanamu koddi mokka
As the seed, so the plant
This proverb means that the quality or nature of the outcome is directly determined by its origin or source. It is used to describe how children often inherit the traits of their parents, or how the quality of a product depends on the quality of the raw materials used.
వానలుంటే పంటలు, లేకుంటే మంటలు
vanalunte pantalu, lekunte mantalu
If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.
This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).
ఆ బుర్రలో విత్తనాలే
a burralo vittanale
They are seeds out of the same bowl.
This expression is used to mock someone's intelligence or behavior, implying that their brain is empty or contains only useless 'seeds' instead of wisdom. It is often used to describe someone who is being foolish, empty-headed, or lacks common sense.
Coming from the same bad stock.
కుప్ప విత్తనాలు చప్పనారు
kuppa vittanalu chappanaru
Heaped seeds, tasteless sprouts
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a lot of effort or resources are gathered at once, but the result is poor or unproductive. It implies that quantity does not guarantee quality, or that poor planning leads to a disappointing outcome despite having the raw materials.