Daughter-In-Law

This proverb is used to describe tasks or expenses that are never-ending. It compares the constant demands for gifts or attention from a husband's sister (aadapaduchu) to the perpetual maintenance required for a mud partition wall, which constantly develops cracks or needs patching.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone meets their match in terms of cunning, greed, or mischief. It implies that no matter how difficult or domineering a person is, they will eventually encounter someone even more formidable who can outdo them. It is similar to the English expression 'to meet one's match'.

This proverb highlights things that yield excellent results. Just as paddy grows lush and heavy-grained when it rains during the Chitta star period, a daughter-in-law who is disciplined and guided by an experienced mother-in-law becomes well-versed in managing a household and conducting herself properly.

This proverb is used to discuss destiny and timing in a traditional household context. It suggests that the fortune (good or bad) of a family is often attributed to the timing of significant arrivals, such as acquiring livestock or a new daughter-in-law entering the home. It is frequently used when a family's luck changes immediately after a wedding.

This proverb is used to describe hypocritical behavior where a person advises others on morality and ethics but fails to follow those same principles themselves. It highlights the irony of someone acting as a teacher or moral compass while secretly engaging in the very activities they condemn.

This proverb highlights a common social bias where the mistakes or harsh behavior of an elder or authority figure (the mother-in-law) are easily noticed and criticized, while the subtle provocations or mistakes of the subordinate (the daughter-in-law) are often overlooked or ignored. It is used to describe situations involving one-sided blame or biased perception in domestic or social conflicts.

This proverb highlights things that yield the best results when properly managed. Just as a field produces a rich harvest only when it is well-fertilized and maintained, it was traditionally believed that a household runs smoothly when a daughter-in-law is well-integrated and follows the guidance of the family. It emphasizes the importance of care and supervision for prosperity.

This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who have both made similar mistakes or have similar controversial backgrounds are trying to advise or judge one another. It implies that neither party has the moral high ground or superior experience to be lecturing the other, often highlighting hypocrisy or a 'pot calling the kettle black' scenario.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone pretends they didn't want something only after they were rejected or denied it. It is a way of saving face or acting out of spite when things don't go one's way, similar to the concept of 'sour grapes'.

This proverb suggests that money or resources spent within the family or on its assets are never truly lost. Just as feeding the household's chickens eventually benefits the family (through eggs or meat), food eaten by the family members contributes to the strength and well-being of the household itself. It is used to justify internal expenses that might otherwise seem like a loss.

This traditional expression highlights the difference between a woman's life at her parent's house (puttinillu), where she is often pampered and carefree, versus her life at her in-laws' house (mettinillu), where she faces responsibilities, restrictions, and sometimes hardships or criticism (arallu).

This expression is used to describe a person who does something incredibly foolish or socially inappropriate due to a lack of common sense. It specifically refers to situations where someone performs an action that is bound to cause trouble, scandals, or embarrassment, unaware of the consequences.

This proverb describes a situation where one person has absolute authority over another's life or decisions. It is used to highlight a total lack of autonomy for a subordinate, or when someone is being excessively bossy and controlling even the most fundamental aspects of another's existence.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone shifts the blame onto an innocent person for a failure that is actually due to their own (or their kin's) inability or shortcoming. It highlights the unfair tendency to scapegoat others for personal failures.

This proverb is used sarcastically to highlight the inherent friction in the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. It suggests that people appear perfect or easy-going only when there is no one around to conflict with them or challenge their authority.

This proverb is used to describe someone who has become so blinded by their wealth or status that they fail to see or acknowledge even the smallest or most obvious things. It suggests that extreme prosperity can sometimes lead to arrogance or a lack of perception regarding simple realities.

This expression refers to the intricate and sometimes complicated relationships within a household and with the surrounding community. 'Allibilli' suggests a close or twisted bond between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, while the second part highlights how neighbors are constantly observing or involved in local affairs. It is often used to describe the social dynamics and gossip common in domestic life.

This proverb implies that people will eventually return to their roots, their inherent nature, or the place where they belong based on their background and circumstances. It is used to describe a situation where someone's actions are predictable given their professional or familial environment.

This traditional proverb suggests that parents of a daughter should practice extreme patience, humility, and selflessness. It implies that in a society where the bride's side often has to accommodate the groom's side, parents must shed their ego or pride (the 'titles') to ensure their daughter's well-being and a harmonious marriage.

This proverb is used to describe the generational gap in experience and cunningness. It suggests that while a younger person (daughter-in-law) may think they are clever, the elder (mother-in-law) has far more experience, tricks, and wisdom in dealing with life's situations. It is often cited when an elder outsmarts a younger person or to advise caution to those who think they can easily deceive their superiors.