అబద్ధాలాడితే ఆడపిల్లలు పుడతారు
abaddhaladite adapillalu pudataru
If you tell lies, daughters will be born.
This is a superstitious folk saying or an old wives' tale used traditionally to discourage lying. It suggests that dishonesty results in a 'burden' or a specific consequence (reflecting historical social biases). Nowadays, it is mostly used playfully or as a lighthearted warning to children to keep them from lying.
Related Phrases
అబద్ధమాడితే గోడ కట్టినట్లుండవలె
abaddhamadite goda kattinatlundavale
If one tells a lie, it should be like building a wall.
This expression suggests that if someone chooses to lie, the lie must be so consistent, firm, and well-constructed that it leaves no gaps for doubt, much like a solid wall. It is often used to comment on someone's deceptive skills or to point out that a lie must be convincing to be successful.
ఆమెకు అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి కానీ ఐదోతనమే లేదు; ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టినప్పుడే ఆదరువు పుడుతుంది.
ameku anni unnayi kani aidotaname ledu; adapilla puttinappude adaruvu pudutundi.
She has everything except for her husband's life; when a girl is born, her livelihood is born with her.
This entry consists of two distinct expressions. The first part, 'ఆమెకు అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి కానీ ఐదోతనమే లేదు', refers to a woman who has all material wealth but is a widow (lacking 'Aidothanam' or the status of a married woman). The second part, 'ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టినప్పుడే ఆదరువు పుడుతుంది', is a traditional saying suggesting that when a girl is born, her means of survival or luck (often referring to her future marriage and sustenance) are pre-destined or born with her.
పులి కడుపున పిల్లులు పుడతాయా?
puli kadupuna pillulu pudataya?
Are cats born to a tiger?
This rhetorical question is used to imply that great or brave parents will produce equally capable or great children. It emphasizes that noble qualities are inherited and is typically used as a compliment when a child shows the same strength or talent as their illustrious parents.
అయిదేళ్ళ ఆడపిల్ల అయినా, మూడేళ్ళ మొగపిల్లవాడికి లోకువే.
ayidella adapilla ayina, mudella mogapillavadiki lokuve.
Even if she is a five-year-old girl, she is considered inferior to a three-year-old boy.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting historical gender biases and patriarchal structures. It suggests that regardless of age or physical superiority, a female was traditionally expected to be subordinate to a male. In modern usage, it is often cited when discussing social inequalities or criticizing outdated societal norms.
అబద్ధమాడితే అన్నం పుట్టదు, నిజం చెబితే నీళ్లు పుట్టవు
abaddhamadite annam puttadu, nijam chebite nillu puttavu
If you lie, you won't get food; if you tell the truth, you won't even get water.
This expression describes a 'catch-22' or a 'lose-lose' situation. It is used when a person is stuck between two choices where honesty might lead to immediate trouble or lack of support, but dishonesty is morally wrong and unsustainable. It highlights the difficulty of being truthful in certain social or practical circumstances.
నూరు అబద్ధాలాడి ఒక పెళ్లి చేయాలి
nuru abaddhaladi oka pelli cheyali
One should perform a marriage even if it requires telling a hundred lies.
This proverb is often used to emphasize the importance and merit of conducting a marriage. It suggests that since marriage is a sacred and life-uniting event, minor compromises or exaggerations (white lies) used to bring two families together or overcome trivial hurdles are socially acceptable for the greater good of the union.
ఆరు నెలలు పుట్టింటిలో ఉంటే ఆడపాప కంటే అన్యాయం
aru nelalu puttintilo unte adapapa kante anyayam
If a woman stays at her maternal home for six months, she is treated worse than a servant girl.
This proverb highlights the social dynamic that an overextended stay at one's parents' house after marriage leads to a loss of respect. It suggests that guests or married daughters are welcomed for short visits, but staying too long results in being treated with disregard or as a burden, similar to a domestic help.
ఆత్రానికి పోతే ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టిందట
atraniki pote adapilla puttindata
When she went in a rush, she gave birth to a girl child.
This proverb is used to mock someone who acts with extreme impatience or haste, only to end up with a result that is either ordinary or contrary to their expectations. It highlights that rushing doesn't guarantee a superior or desired outcome.
తాయితులకే పిల్లలు పుడితే తానెందుకు?
tayitulake pillalu pudite tanenduku?
If amulets alone could give birth to children, why would the husband be needed?
This expression is used to highlight that charms, superstitions, or shortcuts cannot replace actual effort or the natural, essential cause of an outcome. It serves as a sarcastic retort to those who rely solely on rituals or superficial solutions instead of addressing the core requirements of a task.
మల నల్లబడితే వాన, చన్ను నల్లబడితే బిడ్డ
mala nallabadite vana, channu nallabadite bidda
If the mountain turns black, it rains; if the nipple turns black, a child is coming.
This is a traditional folk saying (Sameta) used to describe natural signs of inevitable events. It compares the darkening of clouds over mountains (signaling rain) to the physiological changes in a woman's breast during pregnancy (signaling a baby). It highlights the predictability of nature and life through observation.