Parenting

Children should be advised properly, when they are young, so that they do not stray into evil ways. This is an advice meant particularly for parents, who pamper children and allow them into undesirable ways.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'Like mother, like daughter' or 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree'. It implies that a child (specifically a daughter) will naturally inherit the traits, character, and habits of her mother.

This proverb highlights the specific roles parents play in a child's life. A mother is associated with food and taste (the tongue), meaning her absence leads to a lack of nourishment and care. A father is seen as the guide and protector (the eyes), meaning his absence leaves the family without direction or security in the world.

Historically, this proverb reflects an old belief that a son is necessary to perform final rites for parents to attain 'Moksha' (salvation). In a modern context, it is often used to discuss traditional family values or the cultural importance placed on continuing the lineage.

This is a humorous observation about practical difficulties. Taking a husband to a wedding might lead to restricted freedom or social awkwardness, while taking children to a crowded pilgrimage or fair (Teertham) is exhausting as the parent spends all their time tending to the children's needs and safety rather than enjoying the event.

This proverb is used to mock people who show excessive, unnecessary, or extravagant care over something they have newly acquired or achieved after a long time. It highlights over-enthusiasm or over-pampering that borders on the ridiculous.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb emphasizing that precious, vulnerable, or essential things (like babies or food sources) need constant protection from jealousy or negative energy. It is used to advise caution and safeguarding of one's most valued assets.

This proverb highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and limits. It suggests that while showing affection or giving support is good, over-indulging someone or giving them too much freedom/authority can lead to them becoming a burden or acting out of place. It is often used to warn against spoiling children or being overly lenient with subordinates.

This proverb is used to explain that the quality of an outcome or offspring depends on its origin or upbringing. Similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree,' it suggests that results are proportional to the source's nature or the effort invested in the foundation.

This expression is used to describe a parent's extreme affection or bias, where they see their children as countless or uniquely special compared to others. It can also be used to mock someone who makes exaggerated or boastful claims about their own possessions or family.

This proverb emphasizes that habits, discipline, and character are best formed during childhood. If someone is not corrected or taught while they are young and flexible (like a sapling), they will become rigid and impossible to change once they grow older (like a sturdy tree). It is often used to stress the importance of early education and parenting.

This proverb is used to describe a state of complete prosperity and health. It expresses the wish or situation where wealth (grains) remains intact and undiminished, while the children of the house grow up to be strong, robust, and healthy.

This proverb highlights the immense financial burden, complexity, and social responsibility involved in performing a daughter's wedding in traditional society. It suggests that even the most difficult or grand Vedic rituals (like the Ashwamedha Yaga) are easier to manage than the endless arrangements and lifelong obligations associated with marrying off a daughter.

This proverb highlights the challenges of dealing with sensitive or stubborn people and disobedient assets. Just as a sulking child requires constant attention and a straying animal is hard to control, managing unpredictable or uncooperative individuals in life is an exhausting and difficult task.

This proverb contrasts the raw, unrefined strength of things that grow in waste or harsh conditions with the refined, clean beauty of things nurtured with care. It is often used to compare a person who grows up without guidance but becomes tough, versus someone who is raised with discipline and values to become virtuous.

This proverb is used to describe how subordinates or children take advantage of a weak or overly lenient leader or parent. It suggests that if the person in authority lacks firmness, those under them will become lazy, defiant, or perform poorly on purpose.

This proverb implies that the actions, virtues, or sins of a mother directly influence the destiny and character of her children. It is often used to emphasize that a family's legacy or current situation is a result of the mother's past deeds or upbringing.

If she sin, her children are disgraced.

This proverb suggests that being overly soft or lenient can lead to losses or being taken advantage of, whereas maintaining a sense of fear, discipline, or strictness leads to prosperity and success. It is often used in the context of administration, parenting, or leadership.

This is a traditional Telugu saying used by elders to reassure worried parents when an infant spits up milk. It suggests that vomiting is a sign of a healthy appetite or overfeeding, and implies that the child is growing well and will remain healthy.

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.