Wife

This is a traditional Telugu riddle (podupu katha) where the answer is a 'blouse' (ravika). It describes the function of the garment: during the day, it acts as a barrier for a breastfeeding child, and at night, it is an garment that needs to be removed for intimacy with the husband.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb describing certain traits as ill-omens or destructive. It suggests that a wife who tries to dominate or manipulate her husband brings him ruin, while a person who drags their feet while walking (metaphorically signifying laziness or bad vibrations) brings misfortune to the entire household. It is used to remark on behaviors that are believed to cause the downfall of a family.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness and organization of a home reflect the character, management skills, and nature of the woman of the house. It is used to imply that one's environment is a mirror of their internal discipline and habits.

This proverb highlights that a man's true wealth and success in life depend heavily on having a supportive and understanding spouse. It is used to emphasize the importance of marital harmony and the role a life partner plays in one's prosperity and happiness.

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 that someone who lacks their primary support system (like parents) will place all their trust, dependency, and expectations on the one person they have left (like a spouse). It is used to describe total emotional or physical reliance on a single individual.

This proverb suggests that the true character and loyalty of a spouse are tested during difficult financial times. It implies that while everyone is supportive during prosperity, only a truly devoted partner remains respectful and supportive when wealth is lost.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an already difficult or miserable circumstance is made worse by poor companionship or inadequate support. It signifies the misfortune of someone who, being in a vulnerable state, ends up with a partner or resource that is incompetent or useless.

This proverb describes a situation where someone performs an action half-heartedly or with extreme reluctance just for the sake of formality. In the analogy, the woman dislikes her husband so much that she won't even put effort into the customary act of expressing grief or frustration, doing it as lightly as possible.

This expression is used to describe a string of bad luck or an unfortunate period in life where even the things or people meant to support you (like a spouse) seem to turn against you or become sources of trouble. It highlights how everything goes wrong when time is not in your favor.

This proverb highlights the vital importance of certain elements to an entity's existence. Just as an elephant depends entirely on its trunk for survival and strength, a household's prosperity (Sri) is believed to reside in and depend upon the character, conduct, and well-being of the woman of the house.

This is a traditional proverb used to express that things lacking their essential quality or purpose are a burden or a waste. Just as tasteless food makes the act of eating from a plate useless, a marriage lacking attraction or compatibility is seen as dysfunctional in this archaic context. It is often used to emphasize that functionality and quality are vital for value.

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 proverb is used to highlight that certain natural roles or essential positions cannot be replaced or replicated by others, no matter how hard they try. Just as a specific pot is needed to fit a stack (donti) or a specific person fulfills the role of a wife (aalii) in a household, some things are irreplaceable and unique to their purpose.

This proverb is used to warn that giving too much liberty or being overly lenient with someone can lead to them becoming disrespectful or taking undue advantage of the situation. It describes a scenario where kindness is mistaken for weakness.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already naturally lazy or reluctant to work finds a convenient excuse to avoid their responsibilities entirely. It highlights how an existing negative trait is worsened by external circumstances.

A double excuse. Applied to idle persons. Sick of the idles. A large sheep thinks its wool heavy. ఆ.

This proverb emphasizes personal choice and individual preference. It implies that in matters of personal belongings (like clothing) or life partners, it is the individual's own choice or satisfaction that matters most, regardless of what others think.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with poor luck or a bad reputation ends up with a partner or a deal that matches their unfortunate circumstances. It implies that one's quality of life or choices are limited by their status or previous misfortunes.

This proverb highlights the inherent risks and inevitable consequences of certain dangerous professions or life choices. It suggests that when someone consistently involves themselves in high-risk activities (like war), a negative outcome is not a matter of 'if', but 'when'. It is used to caution people about the predictable end results of risky behavior.

This expression is used to describe a couple who are both difficult in their own ways—one being naughty or unruly, and the other being argumentative or picky. It implies a household filled with constant chaos or conflict due to the incompatible or troublesome nature of both partners.