ఆచారపు అచ్చమ్మలు, చేదస్తపు చెల్లెమ్మలు

acharapu achchammalu, chedastapu chellemmalu

Translation

Customary mothers and fastidious sisters.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a group of people who are overly obsessed with rituals, orthodox customs, and unnecessary rigidness (fastidiousness). It is often used humorously or mockingly to point out when people are making life difficult for themselves and others by strictly following trivial traditions or being excessively picky about how things are done.

Related Phrases

Why do the ears of a deaf person need rare diamond earrings?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is given something valuable or sophisticated that they are incapable of appreciating or utilizing. Just as a deaf person cannot appreciate the beauty or social status of fine jewelry because they cannot engage in the auditory world, giving high-quality things to those without the capacity to understand them is a waste. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

An over-fussy husband doesn't listen if told, and bites if not told.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely difficult to please or deal with. It refers to someone who ignores advice when it's given, but then gets angry and blames others for not informing them when things go wrong. It is used to characterize people with a stubborn, irrational, or fussy temperament.

A foolish minister, and a clumsy retinue, to a perverse king.

This proverb describes a situation where an entire administration or team is incompetent. If the leader is irrational or stubborn, they often surround themselves with fools and old-fashioned, narrow-minded people, leading to total chaos and failure.

A golden knife. Said of something of intrinsic value but of no utility.

This expression is used to describe something that is beautiful or attractive but nonetheless harmful or dangerous. Just because a knife is made of gold, it doesn't mean it won't cut; it implies that one should not be deceived by outward elegance when the inherent nature is destructive.

For a topsy-turvy king, an ignorant prime minister and an eccentric circle of followers.

This expression describes a situation where an entire leadership or organization is dysfunctional. It implies that when the leader is erratic or incompetent, their subordinates are usually equally foolish or out of touch, leading to a complete lack of common sense in governance or management.

Even if I die, the payment must be made, Achamma; please don't scold me anymore.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an obligation or debt is unavoidable, no matter the hardship or suffering of the individual. It highlights a sense of helplessness against fixed demands or inevitable responsibilities.

Aggressiveness only in eating, not in education.

A person may be more interested in food than in learning. One should strike a reasonable balance between acquisition of knowledge and physical needs.

The woman who worked got fish, the woman who didn't got termites.

This proverb emphasizes that hard work leads to fruitful results, while laziness or procrastination leads to waste and decay. It is used to motivate someone to put in effort to reap rewards rather than letting opportunities rot away.

Mâchamma made away with what Kûchamma gathered.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person works hard to save money or resources, while another person recklessly spends or wastes it all. It highlights the contrast between a thrifty person and a spendthrift, or how easily hard-earned savings can be squandered by others.

Buchamma's nuptials at Achamma's wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to fulfill their own personal needs or complete their own tasks while attending or helping out at someone else's major event. It refers to an inappropriate or opportunistic timing where one's private affairs are mixed into another person's public celebration.