Parenting

This expression is used to highlight hereditary traits, behaviors, or similarities between a father and his son. It implies that the son is naturally expected to behave exactly like his father, whether in a positive sense (excellence, skill) or a negative one (stubbornness, bad habits).

Like father, like son. Such a father, such a son. (Portuguese.)* He is his father's son. (Latin.)†

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a child or an outcome is completely different from—or inferior to—the parents or the source. It is often used when a fierce, powerful, or talented person has a descendant who is timid, weak, or insignificant.

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 proverb highlights the depth of maternal influence and consequences. It suggests that while an individual's misdeeds might only affect their own physical being or lifespan, a mother's actions have far-reaching, generational effects that impact the lineage or the land itself. It is used to emphasize the heavy responsibility of a mother's conduct.

This expression means that the quality or nature of something is determined by its origin or source. It is often used to describe how children inherit traits from their parents or how the outcome of a task depends on the quality of the initial effort. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree'.

This expression is used to convey that parents never feel their children are a burden, no matter how many there are or how difficult the circumstances. Just as a tree naturally supports its own fruit, a family or an individual willingly bears their own responsibilities without complaint.

This expression is used to describe a very large number of children in a single family. It refers to the mythological figure Kuchela (Sudama), a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, who was famously poor and lived with his wife and twenty-seven children.

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 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 emphasizes that any significant growth, whether it is for something basic (onion) or something beautiful (jasmine), requires a solid foundation or a good environment. It is used to highlight that a person's success and character depend largely on their upbringing, family background, or the quality of the environment they grow up in.

This proverb highlights the gravity and consequences of actions. It suggests that while an individual's personal mistakes or sins affect their own physical being or life journey, a mother's actions have a much broader, foundational impact on the lineage or the environment. It is often used to emphasize accountability and the lasting legacy of one's deeds.

This proverb is used to say that children will naturally inherit the traits, strength, or nobility of their parents. It is typically used to express that a courageous or talented person's offspring will not be weak or incompetent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'A chip off the old block'.

This expression is used to describe situations where someone takes undue advantage of a person's kindness, patience, or close relationship. It refers to a lack of respect or crossing boundaries simply because the other person is forgiving or authoritative yet gentle.

This proverb lists three things that fail to serve their intended purpose. It emphasizes that utility and harmony are essential in relationships and tools. If a lamp doesn't provide light, a spouse doesn't provide companionship, or a child is constantly unruly, they cannot fulfill their roles effectively.

This expression is used to describe a woman who is already taking care of a young child while being pregnant with another. It highlights the challenging situation of a mother handling consecutive pregnancies or very young children with a very small age gap.

This proverb is used to describe the sentiment where people (especially grandparents) often show more affection towards their grandchildren than their own children. In a literal sense, it refers to a moneylender preferring the recurring interest over the initial investment, but in a social context, it highlights how the second generation of offspring is often more cherished.

This proverb contrasts different types of sorrows. While general intense grief or social mourning might fade over a period (metaphorically six months), the pain a parent feels over the loss of their own child (kadupu duhkham) is permanent and remains for a lifetime.

This proverb describes a situation where both parents are constantly busy with outside work or social obligations, leaving no time for their own family or household. It is used to critique parents who neglect their responsibilities at home while being overly active in community affairs.

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 proverb highlights that both a paddy sprout and a male child require constant care, protection, and nurturing in their early stages to ensure a productive future. Just as a young plant is vulnerable to pests and weather, a young boy needs proper guidance and safeguarding to grow into a responsible man.