Wife

This proverb suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or power in the outside world, he is often easily influenced or managed by his wife at home. It highlights the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over their spouses.

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 proverb humorously highlights the typical durations of different life stages and domestic behaviors. It suggests that a wife's resentment or anger can be long-lasting (metaphorically sixty years), a husband's is relatively shorter (thirty years), and childhood is fleeting (only ten years). It is often used to comment on the enduring nature of domestic friction versus the shortness of youth.

This proverb is used to point out that fulfilling one's basic personal or familial responsibilities is not an act of charity or a service to society. It is used when someone brags about doing something they are naturally obligated to do.

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 is used to compare a childless woman to a barren tree, suggesting that both fail to fulfill their primary natural purpose or produce results. It is often used in a traditional or poetic context to describe fruitlessness or lack of legacy.

This proverb highlights the essential elements for success in traditional rural life. It suggests that just as an ox is indispensable for productive agriculture, a cooperative and understanding wife is the foundation for a harmonious and successful domestic life.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets so distracted by trivial talk or secondary activities that they completely neglect their primary responsibility or the main purpose of their task.

This proverb emphasizes the incomparable love and comfort associated with a mother's care. It suggests that even the simplest, coarsest food prepared by one's mother is more satisfying and precious than the most luxurious feast prepared by anyone else, including one's spouse. It is used to highlight the deep emotional bond and selfless nature of maternal love.

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 serves as a warning against coveting or becoming involved with another man's wife. It suggests that such a relationship is dangerous, destructive, and will ultimately lead to ruin, much like an encounter with a demoness.

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 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 emphasizes the importance of treatment and happiness within a household and livelihood. It means that if a wife is unhappy or mistreated in a home, that family will face misfortune. Similarly, if a farmer ill-treats his oxen (making them suffer or 'cry'), his agriculture will not yield success. It is used to advise people to keep their family members happy and care for the animals/tools that provide their sustenance.

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 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 is a classic Telugu proverb highlighting the intrinsic value or 'sweetness' of both a woman (referring to her character/presence in a family) and the brinjal (considered the king of vegetables in Telugu cuisine). It suggests that just as every part of a brinjal is useful and delicious, a virtuous woman brings goodness to all aspects of a household.

This expression describes a household where the father is restless, thin, or constantly moving like a spindle (kaduru), while the mother is steady, stout, or sedentary like a pot-rest/base-ring (kuduru). It is used to remark on the contrasting physical appearances or temperaments of a husband and wife.

This proverb highlights the importance of both genders in maintaining a balanced household. It implies that a home without a woman's presence feels wild and disorganized like a forest, while a home without a man feels lonely or austere like a monastery. It emphasizes domestic completeness through partnership.

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.