అడ్డాలనాడు బిడ్డలు కానీ గడ్డాలనాడు బిడ్డలా?
addalanadu biddalu kani gaddalanadu biddala?
Children when held in the arms (infancy) are children, but are they still (obedient) children when they grow beards?
This proverb highlights the changing nature of children as they grow up. It suggests that while children are easy to manage and dependent when they are infants (held in a cloth cradle or 'addalu'), they become independent, headstrong, or even ungrateful once they reach adulthood (represented by 'gaddalu' or beards). It is used to express a parent's frustration when adult children no longer listen or follow their guidance.
Related Phrases
గొడ్డులేనివాడు బిడ్డలేనివాడు ఒకటి.
goddulenivadu biddalenivadu okati.
A person without cattle and a person without children are the same.
In traditional agrarian societies, cattle were considered as vital as family members for one's livelihood and legacy. This expression highlights the essential role of livestock in prosperity, implying that lacking them is as significant a loss as not having heirs to carry on the family name or support the household.
కొడుకు బిడ్డకు, కూతురు బిడ్డకు తాత ఒకడే
koduku biddaku, kuturu biddaku tata okade
For the son's child and the daughter's child, the grandfather is the same.
This proverb is used to emphasize impartiality and equality in family relationships. It points out that a grandfather shares the same biological bond with all his grandchildren, regardless of whether they are born to his son or his daughter, suggesting that one should not show favoritism based on lineage.
పూజ కొద్దీ బిడ్డలు, అదృష్టం కొద్దీ అడ్డలు
puja koddi biddalu, adrishtam koddi addalu
Children depend on the prayers performed, and wealth depends on fortune.
This proverb suggests that the quality and number of children one has is a result of their spiritual merit or devotion (puja), while the accumulation of wealth and prosperity (addalu/granaries) is a matter of luck or destiny. It is used to express that certain blessings in life are predetermined by one's actions and fate.
కుండలో కూడు కదలకుండా ఉండాలి, బిడ్డలు మాత్రం పెరగాలి.
kundalo kudu kadalakunda undali, biddalu matram peragali.
The food in the pot should remain untouched, but the children must grow.
This proverb describes a situation where someone wants to achieve a result without any expenditure or effort. It is used to criticize unrealistic expectations or stinginess, highlighting that you cannot expect growth or progress if you are unwilling to use the necessary resources.
కాకులను కొట్టి గద్దలకు వేసినట్టు
kakulanu kotti gaddalaku vesinattu
Beating crows to feed eagles
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes away from the poor or weak (represented by crows) to benefit the rich or powerful (represented by eagles). It signifies an unfair redistribution of resources or an act of misplaced charity where those who are truly in need are deprived to satisfy those who are already influential.
కంచి మేకకు వలె కడుపెడు బిడ్డలు
kanchi mekaku vale kadupedu biddalu
Children as many as the belly of a Kanchi goat.
This proverb is used to describe someone who has a very large number of children. It refers to a legendary or symbolic 'Kanchi goat' known for its prolific breeding, symbolizing excessive fertility or a household overflowing with offspring.
ఆరుగురు బిడ్డల తల్లికి ముగ్గురు బిడ్డల తల్లి ముక్కు నేర్పిందట
aruguru biddala talliki mugguru biddala talli mukku nerpindata
The mother of three children supposedly taught how to blow her nose to the mother of six children.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an inexperienced person tries to give advice or instructions to someone who is much more experienced and knowledgeable in that specific field. It highlights the irony of a novice teaching a veteran.
కాకులను కొట్టి గద్దలకు వేసినట్లు
kakulanu kotti gaddalaku vesinatlu
Like killing crows to feed eagles
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a futile redistribution of resources that benefits those who are already strong at the expense of those who are vulnerable.
ముగ్గురు బిడ్డలని కంటే, ముసలివానికైనా కొరగాదు.
mugguru biddalani kante, musalivanikaina koragadu.
If one gives birth to three daughters, even an old man becomes useless.
This traditional Telugu proverb reflects the historical socioeconomic burden of marrying off three daughters. It suggests that the expenses and responsibilities associated with the weddings and dowries of three girls would drain a family's wealth so entirely that even a wealthy or stable man (metaphorically the 'old man') would be rendered penniless or ruined.
ముందు పెళ్ళాం బిడ్డలు ముంత ఎత్తుకుని తిరుగుతుంటే, లంజకు బిడ్డలు లేరని రామేశ్వరం పోయినట్టు
mundu pellam biddalu munta ettukuni tirugutunte, lanjaku biddalu lerani rameshvaram poyinattu
While his wife and children were wandering with begging bowls, he went to Rameshwaram praying for a concubine to have children.
This proverb describes a person who ignores their immediate and primary responsibilities (like taking care of their own family) to focus on unnecessary, inappropriate, or secondary matters. It is used to mock someone's misplaced priorities and hypocrisy.