Daughter-In-Law

If a daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son, would any mother-in-law say no?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally beneficial or highly desired. It implies that no one in their right mind would refuse a proposal that brings mutual profit or happiness. It is often used when a deal or suggestion is so good that acceptance is a foregone conclusion.

Will there be a mother-in-law who says no if the daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is clearly beneficial or highly desired by the other person. It implies that no one would refuse a proposal that aligns perfectly with their own interests or well-being.

The mother-in-law asked her to dance, but the daughter-in-law said she was lame.

This expression describes a situation where someone intentionally makes excuses or feigns inability to avoid doing a task or following a suggestion. It highlights a spirit of non-cooperation or finding faults to escape responsibility.

The abuse hurled at the hen is understood by the daughter-in-law.

This proverb is used when someone indirectly criticizes or insults a person by targeting someone else or something else nearby. It highlights situations where a message is intended for a specific person but is delivered through a proxy to avoid direct confrontation while ensuring the target still feels the sting.

Six months after the death of the mother-in-law, tears came into the eyes of the daughter-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where a person shows a delayed, insincere, or hypocritical emotional reaction. It is used to mock someone who pretends to care about a loss or an event long after it happened, or when their reaction is clearly performative rather than genuine.

The daughter-in-law ruled by the mother-in-law, and the paddy crop affected by the Chitta rain.

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.

If the daughter-in-law be black, the whole family will be blackened. i. e. a bad daughter-in-law will bring disgrace on her husband's family.

This proverb reflects traditional social biases where the qualities or perceived flaws of a new entrant (the daughter-in-law) are unfairly attributed to the reputation or lineage of the entire family. It is often used to describe how a single person's traits or actions are sometimes used by society to judge an entire community or group.

A girl is a danger to the house, a thorny climber is a danger to the backyard.

This traditional proverb highlights the fragility of social and physical structures. In a historical context, it suggests that a daughter's reputation or marriage could bring immense responsibility or risk to a family's honor, much like how 'Varasapram' (a specific invasive weed or thorny vine) can ruin a garden or backyard if left unchecked. It is used to describe things that require constant care and vigilance.

Choose a daughter-in-law by knowing her family background, and a cow by knowing its quality.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of due diligence and background checks before making significant long-term commitments. It suggests that just as the quality of a cow is essential for its yield, the upbringing and character of a bride are crucial for the harmony of a household.

They said they wouldn't give their daughter (in marriage), and I said I wouldn't marry her.

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'.

The mother-in-law's house is like a cage of knives.

This proverb describes the traditional challenges and extreme caution a daughter-in-law often felt she had to exercise in her marital home. It signifies a place where one must behave very carefully, as any small mistake could lead to criticism, conflict, or emotional injury, much like walking through a cage lined with sharp blades.

When everyone sold their properties, the daughter-in-law sold her jewelry without consulting her mother-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes a foolish or reckless action based on peer pressure or by following a trend without proper understanding or consultation. It highlights the consequence of acting blindly without looking at the long-term impact or seeking advice from elders/experienced people.

The mother-in-law gave good counsel to her daughter-in-law and went astray herself.

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.

Living in the in-laws' house is like walking on the edge of a sword.

This proverb describes the delicate and difficult nature of a woman's life in her husband's home. It suggests that she must be extremely careful, balanced, and tactful in her behavior to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony, as even a small mistake can lead to trouble, much like a sword dance.

The sixth-born daughter is a Goddess Lakshmi to her in-laws' house

This is a traditional Telugu saying which suggests that a woman who is the sixth child in her birth family brings immense prosperity, luck, and wealth to her husband's family after marriage. It is used to highlight the auspiciousness of such a bride.

Seeing the mother-in-law's wealth, the daughter-in-law walked on her heels.

This proverb is used to describe a person who acts arrogant or spends extravagantly based on someone else's wealth or status, rather than their own. It highlights misplaced pride or dependency on another person's fortune.

How can the potter's bride help coming to the kiln ? She must appear in public, however bashful.

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.

A sulking daughter-in-law and an exhausted mother-in-law keep their matters secret.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two parties, who might usually be at odds or in a position of conflict, choose to stay quiet and maintain secrecy because both have their own weaknesses or are in vulnerable states. It implies that mutual vulnerability leads to a temporary, tactical silence to avoid further embarrassment or trouble.

Even if the son is ours, will the daughter-in-law become ours?

This expression highlights the inherent distance or difference in perspective felt toward someone who enters a family from the outside. It is used to suggest that despite biological or legal ties, a newcomer (like a daughter-in-law) might not share the same deep-rooted loyalty or belonging as one's own children, or that family dynamics change significantly after marriage.

A father-in-law was once a son-in-law in another house, and a mother-in-law was once a daughter-in-law in another house.

This proverb is used to remind people in positions of authority or seniority to be empathetic and humble. It emphasizes that everyone starts from a subordinate position and has faced similar struggles, so one should treat their juniors or family members with the same kindness they once wished for themselves.