ఆడదానికి మగవాడు, అప్పులవాడికి షావుకారు మొగుళ్ళు

adadaniki magavadu, appulavadiki shavukaru mogullu

Translation

A husband to a woman and a moneylender to a debtor are both masters.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the traditional power dynamics where a husband holds authority over his wife, and similarly, a creditor holds significant control or authority over someone who owes them money. It is used to describe situations where one person is under the command or influence of another due to a specific social or financial relationship.

Related Phrases

A strict and overbearing mother-in-law has six husbands.

This proverb is used to mock someone who is extremely authoritarian, overly strict, or bossy towards others, implying that their own character or personal life is ironically chaotic, hypocritical, or improper. It is often used to point out the double standards of those who try to control others while they themselves lack discipline.

The first one doesn't have a husband, but a wedding is being planned for the last one.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where basic or primary needs are ignored, yet secondary or grand plans are being made. It highlights the irony of neglecting the most important task while focusing on something less urgent or impossible given the current circumstances.

The first daughter has no husband, but the last one wants a grand wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential requirements are not yet met, but there are demands or preparations for something much more advanced or secondary. It highlights a lack of priority or unrealistic expectations in a sequence of events.

There is no woman who cannot cook rice and no man who cannot weave a cot.

This traditional proverb highlights the basic, essential life skills that were historically expected of every individual based on their role in the household. It suggests that certain fundamental tasks are so universal that one cannot claim ignorance of them; it is often used to emphasize that everyone should at least know the basics of their responsibilities.

If a woman gets drenched in the Arudra rains, she will turn into a man.

This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the power and life-giving nature of the first monsoon rains (Arudra Karti). It is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to highlight the immense strength, energy, and fertility the season brings to the earth and living beings. It signifies that even the most delicate can gain immense strength during this auspicious period.

No matter how strong or great a man is, he is subordinate to a woman.

This expression suggests that regardless of a man's physical strength, social status, or outward power, he ultimately has a vulnerability or softness towards the women in his life (like a mother, wife, or daughter). It is often used to highlight the subtle influence and domestic power women hold over even the most formidable men.

Gifts for a puberty ceremony during a time of death.

This expression is used to describe an extremely inappropriate or ill-timed action. It highlights the absurdity of celebrating a joyful milestone or worrying about trivial formalities when a major tragedy or crisis is occurring. It is used when someone brings up irrelevant or festive matters at a somber and critical moment.

For a woman, danger occurs at every childbirth; for a man, danger occurs every single day.

This proverb contrasts the life risks faced by genders in traditional society. While women face life-threatening risks during labor (delivery), men face constant risks daily as they venture out to work, provide, and protect the family in an unpredictable world. It is used to highlight that life is inherently full of challenges and risks for everyone, albeit in different forms.

Money in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand will not stay.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth held by a woman is quickly spent on household needs, while a man may lack the patience or nurturing skill to keep a child calm or safe for long. It is used to describe roles or situations where resources or responsibilities are perceived to be inherently unstable.

No matter how strong or powerful a husband is, he is still subordinate or susceptible to his 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.