Wife

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 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 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 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 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 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 expression highlights a domestic power dynamic where, despite something belonging to the wife, the mother-in-law exercises ultimate control or authority over it. It is used to describe situations where someone else dictates how your own possessions or rights are used.

This proverb is used to criticize a person who seeks pleasures outside or ignores their responsibilities, highlighting that someone who is unfaithful or preoccupied with superficial desires can never truly empathize with or understand the suffering of those closest to them (like a spouse). It emphasizes a lack of empathy and moral blindness.

This proverb highlights a state of helplessness and loss of productivity. An ox with a leg injury is useless for farming, and similarly, in a traditional context, a widower is depicted as being lost or unable to manage his household and life effectively without his partner.

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 is used to describe a person who prioritizes his wife and finds her sweet (like jaggery) while neglecting his mother or viewing her as a burden/troublemaker (like a ghost). It is typically used as a criticism of someone who forgets their filial duties after marriage.

This proverb suggests that a harmonious marriage leads to a blissful life, while a difficult or incompatible spouse forces a person to seek solace in spirituality or philosophy to cope with the hardships.

This proverb reflects the traditional agricultural wisdom regarding land management. It suggests that upland (metta) should be treated with the care and reverence given to a mother (requiring less constant attention but deep respect), while lowland (palla) should be attended to with the intimacy and constant care given to a wife (requiring frequent monitoring and labor for a good yield).

This expression emphasizes the unique value, virtue, and status of a devoted wife (kulakanta) within a household. It suggests that external attractions or other women can never replace the dignity, loyalty, and companionship provided by a lawful spouse.

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 expression describes a situation where a man unfairly views his mother's well-intended advice as bitter or harmful while seeing everything his wife says as sweet and desirable. It is typically used to critique someone who neglects or disrespects their mother due to an over-attachment or bias toward their spouse.

This traditional proverb suggests that when someone returns after a long absence (specifically a wife returning to her husband's home), their value is appreciated more, similar to how 'tadka' or seasoning (tiragabotha) enhances the flavor of a dish. It is used to describe the renewed affection or appreciation for someone or something after a period of separation or refinement.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of stability in one's primary sources of livelihood and domestic life. Just as a crop needs a strong root (chey-kuduru) to yield a harvest, a household needs a stable and capable partner (ali-kuduru) to prosper. It is used to describe the foundation required for a successful and settled life.

This proverb suggests that beauty or youthfulness loses its primary essence if it fails to evoke affection or attraction from one's life partner. It emphasizes that just as a flower is incomplete without its scent, external beauty is considered hollow if it doesn't foster a deep connection or love in a relationship.

This proverb is used to describe small but persistent irritations that are difficult to endure. Just as a bedbug's bite is tiny but causes immense discomfort and sleeplessness, the constant nagging or sharp words of a woman in the household can be deeply hurtful and unsettling to one's peace of mind.