ఆడదై పుట్టేకంటే అడవిలో మానై పుట్టేది మేలు.

adadai puttekante adavilo manai puttedi melu.

Translation

It is better to be born as a tree in a forest than to be born as a woman.

Meaning

This traditional expression reflects the historical hardships and social constraints faced by women in society. It is used to lament the difficulties, lack of freedom, or suffering associated with a woman's life, suggesting that an inanimate object in nature has a more peaceful existence.

Related Phrases

It is better to be born as a tree in a forest than to be born as a woman.

This traditional expression reflects the historical hardships, lack of freedom, and societal constraints faced by women. It suggests that the struggles of a woman's life are so burdensome that the silent existence of a tree in the wilderness would be preferable.

A measure in Magha, a basketful in Pubba.

This is an agricultural proverb related to rainfall during specific lunar mansions (Nakshatras). It means that even a small amount of rain during the 'Magha' season is valuable, but heavy rain during the 'Pubba' season is extremely beneficial and results in a bountiful harvest.

A short person has a basketful of brains.

This proverb is used to suggest that what a person lacks in physical stature or height, they often make up for with extreme cleverness, wit, or cunningness. It implies that short people are exceptionally sharp-minded.

Even a 'Putti' (a large measure of grain) is not enough for a woman who has just given birth.

This expression is used to describe a situation where no amount of resources or supplies seem sufficient to meet an overwhelming or critical need. Historically, it refers to the high nutritional and care requirements of a postpartum mother, but metaphorically it applies to any scenario involving insatiable demand or extreme necessity.

If it is a measure in the field, it is a heap at home.

This proverb highlights the importance of hard work and investment at the source. It implies that a small, diligent effort or investment during the cultivation/working phase leads to a manifold increase in results and prosperity at home. It is used to encourage people to be generous or hardworking in their primary endeavors to reap greater rewards later.

It is better to be born as a tree in the forest than to be the youngest among brothers.

This proverb highlights the traditional struggles of the youngest male sibling in a large joint family. Historically, the youngest brother often had to serve the elder brothers, follow their commands, and received less authority or inheritance, leading to the dramatic comparison that even being an inanimate tree in a wild forest is more peaceful than such a life of subservience.

A short man has a Putti of wisdom.

This is a popular Telugu saying used to imply that short-statured people are exceptionally clever, cunning, or resourceful. The term 'Puttadu' refers to a large traditional measuring unit, suggesting that their intelligence is disproportionately large compared to their height.

A basketful of merit, but a basketful of worms.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a deed with the intention of gaining religious merit (punyam), but the act inadvertently causes harm or results in a mess. It is often applied when an attempt to do good backfires or when a seemingly pious person's actions are actually riddled with flaws.

A measure in the mud, a heap in the house.

This is a traditional agricultural saying referring to the high yield of crops. It means that even a small amount of seed sown in the soil (mud) can result in a massive harvest stored at home. It is used to describe investments or efforts that yield exponentially great results.

It is better to be born as a thorny acacia bush in a forest than to be born as the eldest son of a household.

This proverb highlights the immense responsibilities, burdens, and expectations placed upon the eldest son in a traditional Indian family. It implies that the hardships of managing family affairs, providing for siblings, and fulfilling parental expectations are so taxing that a life of a useless bush in the wild seems peaceful by comparison.