Wife

This proverb is used to describe a woman who is frequently scolded, beaten, or subjected to harsh treatment by everyone in the household, much like an acrobat's drum which is beaten on both sides by anyone and everyone. It highlights a state of being constantly abused or handled roughly.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a previous interaction or investment resulted in a significant loss, yet the source of that loss returns to cause further trouble. It is typically used to express frustration toward someone who has already caused harm or waste and is now reappearing, implying that their presence is neither wanted nor beneficial.

This proverb highlights the difference in perspectives of caregivers. A mother is primarily concerned with her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), whereas a wife or the world may look at what the person has brought home or their capacity for labor (the back/burden). It is used to describe the selfless nature of maternal love compared to the practical expectations of other relationships.

This proverb is used to mock a person's misplaced anger or foolish actions. It highlights a scenario where a person tries to cause harm but chooses a permanent loss (hair, which takes long to grow) over a temporary injury, or reflects on a wife's sarcastic challenge to her husband's empty threats or ineffective punishments.

This proverb highlights a traditional perspective on dependency and intimate care. It suggests that there are certain personal needs or household responsibilities so private or demanding that only the closest women in a man's life—his wife or his mother—would be willing or expected to perform them. It is often used to emphasize the importance of family bonds and the unique roles played by a mother and a spouse.

This expression highlights the significance of primary relationships in a person's life. It suggests that if one loses the love and support of both their mother (representing one's origin) and their spouse (representing one's life partner/future), their existence becomes meaningless or devoid of purpose.

This proverb highlights things that are difficult to manage or live with. Just as a dislocated leg makes walking impossible and painful, a spouse who does not cooperate or is defiant makes leading a peaceful family life extremely difficult. It is used to describe situations where lack of coordination or disobedience leads to constant trouble.

This proverb suggests that the prosperity, cleanliness, and overall atmosphere of a home reflect the character, management, and hard work of the woman of the house. It is used to emphasize the importance of a woman's role in maintaining the dignity and harmony of a household.

This expression suggests that a young woman's natural modesty or hesitation is a precursor to marriage and motherhood. It is often used to imply that shyness is a temporary stage or a virtue that eventually leads to the fulfillment of life's biological and social duties.

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 is used to describe a person's miserable plight or bad luck when they are stuck in a double whammy of unfortunate circumstances. It specifically refers to having a tiny, suffocating living space combined with a spouse who is troublesome, ill-tempered, or difficult to manage, symbolizing a lack of peace both physically and mentally.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe the constant challenges and lifelong responsibilities one faces. Comparing agriculture to 'Elinati Shani' (a period of 7.5 years of hardship in astrology) suggests it requires immense, long-term effort and patience. Comparing a wife to 'Janma Shani' implies that domestic life and marriage are permanent, life-long commitments that one must manage with care regardless of the difficulties.

This refers to a 'loaded question' or a 'complex question' fallacy. It describes a situation where any answer given (Yes or No) would imply guilt or confirm a negative presupposition that may not be true. It is used when someone frames a question in a way that traps the other person into admitting something they didn't do.

This proverb emphasizes that peace and health are foundational for success. If the woman of the house (the 'Aalu') is suffering or unhappy, the household cannot thrive. Similarly, if the ox used for plowing is weak or collapsed, the farming cannot move forward. It is used to highlight the importance of the well-being of those who anchor the home and profession.

This proverb highlights situations of incompatibility and the misery caused by mismatched partnerships. It suggests that a person who cannot keep up with or manage their partner's demanding or excessive nature will eventually suffer mental or physical exhaustion.

This traditional expression highlights the simplicity and contentment of a married woman's life. In olden days, bronze toe rings (kanchumette) and glass bangles (matti gaajulu) were symbols of auspiciousness (sumangali). It suggests that when one has the basic blessings of a happy family and marital status, material riches are secondary.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is completely out of touch with reality or insensitive to financial constraints. It refers to a situation where there isn't enough of a resource for a basic necessity, yet someone demands to use that same resource for a luxury or an elaborate purpose.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally stubborn, incompetent, or flawed are paired together. It suggests that for every difficult or peculiar person, there is an equally matching counterpart, often implying that they deserve each other or that their flaws cancel each other out in a humorous or cynical way.

This proverb emphasizes the central role of a woman in managing a household and its prosperity. It means that if a wife is disciplined, hardworking, and manages the home well, the family's assets and livelihood (symbolized by the 'farm') will also be stable and successful.

This satirical proverb reflects the changing perceptions and initial excitement in successive marriages. It implies that while the first wife is treated as common or essential like a leafy vegetable, the second is seen as a sweet treat like a mango, and the third is viewed as even more exotic or special like a cashew fruit. It is often used to mock the fickle nature of men or the tendency to undervalue what one has initially.