Mother

This expression emphasizes the natural progression of life and a person's duty to their roots. It suggests that one is nurtured first by their mother's milk and then sustained by the resources of their motherland. To be 'blessed' or 'successful' (Dhanyudu), one must acknowledge these foundations and live a life that honors both the biological mother and the earth/homeland.

This is a traditional proverb or superstition suggesting that a person who blinks excessively or has a flighty, unstable gaze may bring bad luck or mismanagement to a household. It is used metaphorically to describe individuals who lack focus or are untrustworthy in managing responsibilities.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining certain boundaries, privacy, or modesty even with those closest to us. It suggests that complete exposure or lack of restraint, even in the most intimate relationships, can lead to a loss of respect or dignity.

* Ἀπέφαλος μῦθος.

This rhetorical question or proverb highlights the natural bias or difference in affection often found in families. It implies that a mother's innate love for her biological daughter is rarely matched by her feelings for her daughter-in-law. It is used to describe situations where there is perceived partiality or to acknowledge that certain bonds are naturally deeper than others.

This expression describes a bittersweet or conflicting situation where one aspect brings joy but another aspect brings significant trouble or pain. It is used when a benefit to one person causes hardship for another close to them, creating a dilemma where one cannot fully celebrate.

This expression suggests that a child's upbringing and behavior serve as a reflection of their parents, specifically the mother in this context. It is used to imply that the virtues or flaws of a mother can be seen through the actions and nature of her daughter.

This expression refers to something that is impossible to obtain or non-existent. It highlights that if a husband doesn't respect his wife and a mother doesn't pamper her child, one cannot expect to find those feelings from anyone else in the world. It is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential support is missing.

This proverb contrasts the depth of empathy with biological maternal pain. It means that while a casual observer or neighbor (the one who heard) might feel a superficial or outward sympathy (back burning), only a mother (the one who gave birth) feels the true, deep, internal agony (stomach burning) when a child is in trouble. It is used to describe how a mother's suffering for her children is incomparable to anyone else's.

This traditional proverb highlights the cultural observation that daughters often provide better care, comfort, and emotional support to their parents in old age compared to sons. While sons were traditionally preferred for lineage, the saying suggests that daughters ensure their mother sits comfortably (chairs), whereas sons might leave her with no place but the outside of the house (eaves).

This expression suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or outward power, he ultimately has a vulnerability or softness towards the women in his life (like a mother, wife, or daughter). It is often used to highlight the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over even the most formidable men.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

This proverb contrasts maternal love with the practical expectations of marital life. It suggests that a mother's primary concern is always her child's well-being and hunger, whereas a wife (metaphorically) focuses on the husband's financial stability and ability to provide for the family.

This proverb highlights the reliability of two foundational elements: one's mother and the earth. It suggests that a mother's guidance and love are selfless and protective, while agriculture (or staying rooted to the land) provides a sustainable livelihood. Those who remain loyal to their roots and respect these life-givers will always prosper and never face ultimate downfall.

This proverb describes a common human tendency where a person finds their spouse sweet and desirable (like jaggery) while viewing their mother as mundane or unimportant (like common soil/clay) after marriage. It is used to criticize those who neglect or undervalue their parents' lifelong sacrifices in favor of new relationships.

This proverb highlights the importance of protection and care. Just as a crop field without a fence is vulnerable to being destroyed by animals or intruders, a child without a mother lacks the primary source of protection, guidance, and nurturing needed to thrive safely in the world.

This proverb highlights how certain losses or neglects can create a false or superficial appearance of growth or prosperity. In the first part, it implies that without a mother's care and balanced feeding, a child might develop a bloated stomach due to malnutrition or poor diet, which is not true health. In the second part, it suggests that unwashed, tangled hair might look voluminous, but it is actually a sign of poor hygiene rather than healthy hair growth. It is used to describe situations where something looks substantial or 'big' only because of neglect or underlying problems.

This proverb highlights that certain things are incomparable and original in their value. Just as ploughed land retains moisture and nutrients essential for crops, mother's milk is the ultimate nourishment for a child. It is used to emphasize the importance of foundational or natural things over artificial or secondary alternatives.

This proverb highlights the inherent bias or favoritism found even in the most fundamental figures of care. It is used to express that preference exists everywhere, suggesting that a mother might favor one child over another, just as the Earth might yield more fruitfully in one spot than another. It is often cited when someone feels treated unfairly or observes natural inequalities.

This expression means that a person's physical appearance, status, or flaws do not diminish the purity and depth of their love or character. It is used to emphasize that inner virtues and emotions are independent of external physical attributes.

This expression suggests that the true state, character, or management of a household can be judged immediately upon entering the house (at the doorstep). It is often used to imply that the first impression or outward appearance of a place reflects the competence and nature of the person in charge.