Mother-In-Law

This proverb highlights traditional domestic hierarchies where the elder or the person in a position of established power retains ultimate control, regardless of the opinions or status of subordinates. It is used to describe situations where one person's authority is absolute and unquestionable.

This proverb sarcastically illustrates how people often devalue others' hard work while making excuses for their own laziness or inefficiency. The daughter-in-law claims her slow pace is due to the 'superior quality' of her work, while dismissing her mother-in-law's faster output as 'useless'. It is used to describe people who justify their lack of productivity with arrogance.

This proverb describes a situation where a task is accomplished or a problem is solved through a mutual, albeit often imperfect or slow, process. It refers to a scenario where someone (the mother-in-law) is overly anxious for something to happen, and the other person (the son-in-law) eventually learns to do it, matching their pace or satisfying the demand just in time. It is often used to describe situations involving mutual adjustment or sarcastic commentary on someone finally learning something after much pestering.

This proverb highlights the human tendency to favor the new or the younger generation over the old. It describes a situation where the mother-in-law (representing the old/worn out) is discarded or undervalued, while the daughter-in-law (representing the new/productive) is meticulously valued and welcomed. It is used to mock people's opportunistic or biased nature.

This proverb is used to describe a long-standing, persistent problem or a difficult relationship that is hard to get rid of. It suggests that just as a ghost possessing someone during pregnancy (sixth month) causes lifelong trouble or follows them for a long time, certain burdens or people (metaphorically the mother-in-law in traditional contexts) become an inseparable and taxing part of one's life.

This proverb describes double standards and hypocrisy in judging actions based on who performs them. It is used when a person in authority or power excuses their own mistakes as trivial or unavoidable while magnifying the same mistakes made by subordinates or others.

This proverb highlights the social dynamic that an overextended stay at one's parents' house after marriage leads to a loss of respect. It suggests that guests or married daughters are welcomed for short visits, but staying too long results in being treated with disregard or as a burden, similar to a domestic help.

This proverb describes a situation where someone makes extravagant demands or expects celebration from a person who is currently struggling to even meet their basic necessities. It is used to highlight the insensitivity or lack of awareness of someone's poor circumstances.

This proverb highlights the transient and fragile nature of happiness one experiences at their in-laws' house. Just as a blow to the funny bone (elbow) causes sharp, intense pain that subsides quickly, the comforts or joys found there are often perceived as temporary, superficial, or followed by sudden discomforts/realities. It is used to suggest that one should not get too comfortable or rely entirely on such hospitality.

This proverb describes the anxiety and pressure daughters-in-law in traditional households felt regarding their workload. When the sun disappears early due to clouds, they panic because it signals the end of the day, yet their heavy household chores are far from finished, fearing the consequences or criticism from their mothers-in-law.

This proverb describes a person who is so deprived or desperate that even the smallest, most insignificant favor feels like a grand gesture. It is used to highlight situations where someone's extreme need makes them overly grateful for something of very low value, or when someone tries to cover up their poor circumstances by glorifying a meager offering.

This proverb is used when a situation is practically impossible even if the person in authority gives permission. It highlights a scenario where a task cannot be completed due to physical constraints or external circumstances, despite having the necessary approval.

This proverb describes a situation where someone feigns sympathy or performs a fake reaction out of obligation or fear, rather than genuine emotion. It refers to hypocritical behavior where a person pretends to be upset about something that actually benefits them or that they are secretly indifferent to, similar to 'crocodile tears'.

This proverb is used to describe a person (usually someone in authority) who gives unnecessary or contradictory advice just to show their dominance, even when the work done is perfectly fine. It highlights the tendency of some people to find faults or demand changes simply to exercise their power.

This proverb is used to highlight double standards or hypocrisy in power dynamics. It suggests that when a person in authority (like a mother-in-law) makes a mistake, it is ignored or excused, but when a subordinate (like a daughter-in-law) does the same, it is heavily criticized.

This proverb describes unfair partiality or double standards within a household. It refers to a situation where a woman treats her husband poorly (giving him a small, rough leaf to eat from) while showing excessive hospitality or preference toward her son-in-law (giving him a large, premium banana leaf). It is used to mock people who value outsiders or guests more than their own family members.

This proverb highlights the double standards or hypocrisy often found in family dynamics. In traditional Hindu households, Tuesdays and Fridays are auspicious days when women are expected to refrain from heavy chores or travel. The saying suggests that a mother-in-law allows her own daughter to rest or follow customs on these days, while demanding the daughter-in-law work tirelessly as if every day is the same, or even harsher.

* Gratia gratiam parit.

This expression highlights a domestic power dynamic where, despite something belonging to the wife, the mother-in-law exercises ultimate control or authority over it. It is used to describe situations where someone else dictates how your own possessions or rights are used.

This proverb is used to describe a person who wants contradictory things or wants to enjoy a benefit without any of the associated inconveniences. Specifically, it refers to someone who wants their mother-in-law's presence/support but also wants to cook rice with the 'attesar' method (a precise method requiring no excess water to be drained), which is difficult to manage perfectly under supervision or implies a desire for extreme perfection and economy simultaneously.

This proverb is used to describe a temporary authority or a brief period of freedom. It refers to someone who acts like a boss only because their superior or elder is momentarily away. It highlights that one's power or pleasure is transient and dependent on the absence of a higher authority.