ఆడపిల్లను కన్నవారు అయిదు బిరుదులు తెగకోసుకోవలెను.

adapillanu kannavaru ayidu birudulu tegakosukovalenu.

Translation

They who beget female children must cut off five of their badges of honor. A man though raised to a distinguished position in the world has yet to humble himself before his sons-in-law for the sake of his daughters, who might otherwise not be well treated.

Meaning

This traditional proverb suggests that parents of a daughter should practice extreme patience, humility, and selflessness. It implies that in a society where the bride's side often has to accommodate the groom's side, parents must shed their ego or pride (the 'titles') to ensure their daughter's well-being and a harmonious marriage.

Related Phrases

Though the slippers be of gold they can only be worn on the feet.

This proverb emphasizes that everything and everyone has a designated place or status. No matter how valuable or expensive something is, it cannot change its fundamental nature or bypass certain protocols. It is used to suggest that people should stick to their roles or that some things, regardless of quality, are still subject to certain limitations.

Some things must be hidden even from the mother that bore you.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining certain boundaries, privacy, or modesty even with those closest to us. It suggests that complete exposure or lack of restraint, even in the most intimate relationships, can lead to a loss of respect or dignity.

* Ἀπέφαλος μῦθος.

When a wolf carried away the child nearby, he said the child from a distance of eight miles was a gain.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to find a false sense of consolation or profit in a situation involving a significant loss. It highlights a foolish or cynical optimism where a person ignores a major tragedy nearby by focusing on a minor, irrelevant, or non-existent benefit far away.

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

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.

Is it not when the wind blows that you must winnow ?

This is the Telugu equivalent of 'Make hay while the sun shines'. It advises people to seize opportunities when they arise and make the most of favorable circumstances while they last.

Strike while the iron is hot. Take time while time is, for time will away.

Though you lose your life, you must preserve your honor.

This expression emphasizes that one's dignity, honor, and self-respect are more valuable than life itself. It is used to encourage standing by one's principles or integrity, even in the face of extreme danger or death.

When you wish for it, I must bring forth a child. Said by a wife to an unreasonable, exacting husband.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects instant results or immediate gratification without understanding that certain things take their own natural time. It is often said to people who are impatient and want complex tasks completed instantly.

Are you to cut your feet because your shoes are too small?

This proverb highlights the folly of making permanent, harmful changes to oneself or a core system just to accommodate temporary or insignificant external constraints. It is used when someone tries to force a solution that causes more damage than the problem it is trying to solve.

Just because the sandals are small, should one cut off their feet?

This proverb is used to criticize people who make drastic, self-destructive changes to themselves or their core principles just to fit into a temporary, trivial, or external situation. It emphasizes that the person (or the goal) is more important than the accessory (or the means).