Husband

A girl without parents seeks only her husband.

This expression highlights that someone who lacks their primary support system (like parents) will place all their trust, dependency, and expectations on the one person they have left (like a spouse). It is used to describe total emotional or physical reliance on a single individual.

Without a woman it is a forest; without a man it is a monastery.

This proverb highlights the importance of both genders in maintaining a balanced household. It implies that a home without a woman's presence feels wild and disorganized like a forest, while a home without a man feels lonely or austere like a monastery. It emphasizes domestic completeness through partnership.

What does it matter if a husband who provides neither worldly comfort nor spiritual salvation stays or goes?

This proverb is used to describe a person who is completely useless or provides no value in any aspect of life (neither material nor spiritual). It is typically applied to situations where someone is more of a burden than a help, suggesting that their presence or absence makes no positive difference.

Husband's world is her world; son's world is the afterlife.

This traditional proverb highlights the different roles family members play in a woman's life according to historical social norms. It suggests that while a husband is a woman's primary companion and focus during her lifetime, a son is seen as the one who ensures her spiritual salvation and peace in the afterlife through the performance of last rites and rituals.

A husband who pays wages is more significant than a husband who pays the bride price.

This proverb highlights pragmatism over tradition. 'Oli' is a traditional bride price paid at marriage, while 'Kuli' refers to daily wages or immediate support. It suggests that a person who provides for one's immediate needs and livelihood is more valuable than someone who merely fulfilled a traditional or ceremonial obligation in the past.

A coin that won't pass and a husband who is not liked.

This expression is used to describe things or people that are useless, burdensome, or of no value in a given situation. Just as a counterfeit or invalid coin cannot be spent, a person who doesn't fulfill their responsibilities or is unwelcome is considered a liability.

A hundred years of life for me and my children, and for my husband, as long as the world lasts.

This expression reflects a clever or humorous priority system. While it sounds like a blessing, it implies that the speaker and their children should live a fixed long life (100 years), but the husband's lifespan is tied to the existence of the world—which could either mean eternity or simply staying as long as everyone else does. It is often used to describe someone who prioritizes themselves and their children first, or sometimes in a satirical way regarding domestic blessings.

A husband for appearances only, not for providing happiness.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or person that looks competent or sufficient on the outside but fails to fulfill their primary responsibilities or provide the expected benefits. In a literal sense, it refers to a spouse who maintains the social status of marriage but fails to provide emotional, physical, or financial support. Metaphorically, it is used for any object or person that is decorative but useless in practice.

Deceitfulness is learnt from a mother-in-law, adultery is learnt from a husband. Jealous watching leads to unfaithfulness. At the gate where suspicion enters, love goes out. If the wife sins, the husband is not innocent. (Italian.)

This proverb describes a situation where the very people who are supposed to protect and guide someone are the ones teaching them bad habits or corruption. It is used when a person picks up vices from their own guardians or authorities.

If there is rain, there is no famine; if there is a husband, there is no poverty.

This traditional proverb highlights the foundational elements of security in a household. Just as rain is the primary source that prevents drought and starvation for a society, a supportive husband was traditionally viewed as the primary provider and protector who prevents a family from falling into destitution. It is used to emphasize the importance of essential support systems.

Only the man who has deep affection/infatuation is a true husband.

This proverb emphasizes that a man's worth as a husband is defined by the love, care, and attraction he shows toward his wife, rather than just his title or authority. It is used to suggest that emotional devotion is the hallmark of a good spouse.

A marriage necklace around the neck, and a husband as small as a jackal.

This expression is used to mockingly describe a situation where a woman is married to a man who is physically small, weak, or insignificant in comparison to her or her expectations. It highlights a perceived mismatch between the dignity of the marital bond and the stature of the husband.

Even after a crore prayers, the husband's nature did not change.

This proverb is used to describe a person who refuses to change their bad behavior or stubborn character despite numerous efforts, prayers, or warnings. It highlights that certain inherent traits are impossible to alter regardless of external intervention.

Anger towards the husband lasts only until sunset.

This proverb is used to describe temporary or short-lived anger between close relations, particularly a couple. It implies that no matter how much they argue during the day, they will reconcile by nightfall. It is often used to tell others not to take a small domestic spat too seriously.

According to my fate, I got a husband with rheumy eyes.

This proverb is used to express disappointment when one's luck or karma leads to a result that is far below expectations. It describes a situation where despite waiting or hoping for something good, one ends up with something mediocre or flawed due to their own misfortune.

No matter how strong or powerful a husband is, he is still subordinate or susceptible to his wife.

This proverb suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or power in the outside world, he is often easily influenced or managed by his wife at home. It highlights the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over their spouses.

Like a scarlet gourd in a crow's beak.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where something beautiful, valuable, or high-quality is in the possession of someone who is unworthy, unattractive, or incapable of appreciating it. It is often used to comment on mismatched couples where one partner is considered much more attractive than the other.

An over-fussy husband doesn't listen if told, and bites if not told.

This expression describes a person who is extremely difficult to please or deal with due to their irrational and contradictory behavior. It is used to refer to individuals who ignore advice or instructions when given, yet become angry or reactive when they are left out of the loop or not informed about the same matter.

The gap between a husband and wife is six miles long.

This proverb suggests that outsiders should never interfere in the private disputes between a husband and wife. While their disagreement might seem wide or serious (six miles/aramadalu), they are still fundamentally close, and any third party who enters that space will only cause unnecessary trouble or find themselves unwanted once the couple reconciles.

Youth that does not attract the husband is like a flower without fragrance.

This proverb suggests that beauty or youthfulness loses its primary essence if it fails to evoke affection or attraction from one's life partner. It emphasizes that just as a flower is incomplete without its scent, external beauty is considered hollow if it doesn't foster a deep connection or love in a relationship.