అగడపలు వేసినవి అత్తగారా అంటే, కొలబుర్ర నా చేతిలోనే ఉన్నది కోడలా అన్నదట.

agadapalu vesinavi attagara ante, kolaburra na chetilone unnadi kodala annadata.

Translation

"See! The signs of rain appear!" cried the daughter-in-law "What of that?" said the mother-in-law "I have the measure." (See, Nos. 19, 155.)

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone tries to hide their lack of progress or authority by asserting that they still hold the means of control. It is used to point out someone who is being evasive, lazy, or trying to maintain power without actually completing the task at hand.

Related Phrases

" O blanket where are you?" said he " Where you left me, you madman," it replied. A smart repartee.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no progress or change despite effort or passage of time. It highlights stagnation, laziness, or a repetitive cycle where things remain exactly as they were initially. It is often used to mock someone who asks for status updates when no action has been taken to move things forward.

When the daughter-in-law said the crops have yielded seeds, the mother-in-law asked her to take a handful back.

This proverb is used to describe people who are extremely stingy or greedy. It depicts a situation where, instead of being happy about a harvest, a person immediately thinks of how to hoard or save even a tiny amount more, showing an obsessive level of frugality or selfishness.

When the daughter-in-law said 'A flood of porridge has arrived, mother-in-law!', the mother-in-law replied 'The measuring basket is still in my hand, daughter-in-law.'

This proverb highlights excessive control, stinginess, or a refusal to let go of authority even when there is an abundance of resources. It describes a situation where a person in power insists on rationing or strictly controlling something even when it is available in plenty, or simply asserts their dominance for the sake of it.

When the daughter-in-law said she was hungry, her mother- in-law told her to swallow the pestle.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone asks for a basic necessity or a small favor and receives a cruel, impossible, or mocking response instead of help. It highlights the lack of empathy or the hostile relationship between two people, often used to critique someone who gives heartless advice.

Rōkali is a wooden pestle, five or six feet long, used for pounding rice.

When a daughter-in-law says that she is about to bring forth a son, is there any mother-in-law who says "Don't"? i. e. wish the child to be a daughter. Will any one refuse to receive a benefit?

This proverb describes a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally desired or beneficial to everyone involved. It implies that no one would refuse a proposal that results in a positive outcome for the whole group or family. It is often used when someone makes a suggestion that is too good to turn down.

When the daughter-in-law said, 'Mother-in-law, a barrier has been placed in the sky,' the mother-in-law replied, 'I have the ladle in my hand, dear.'

This proverb is used to describe a competitive relationship or a 'one-upmanship' attitude, particularly between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. It highlights a situation where one person makes an absurd or exaggerated claim, and the other responds with an equally nonsensical or defiant retort just to show they are not outdone or to maintain authority, regardless of logic.

When the Jangam was told that the house had caught fire, he replied "I have my bag and bowl with me." Selfish indifference.

This proverb describes a person who is completely detached or indifferent to a situation because they have no personal stake or property at risk. It is used to remark on individuals who remain unconcerned about a general disaster or collective loss because their own minimal belongings are safe, or to describe those who prioritize their small interests over a major catastrophe affecting others.

"A river of porridge has come, mother-in-law!" she cried. "But I have the measure, daughter-in-law," replied the dame.

This proverb highlights a power struggle or an obsession with control within a household. It describes a situation where, despite an abundance of resources (a river of food), the person in authority (the mother-in-law) insists on strictly rationing it to maintain their dominance and ensure the other person remains dependent or restricted.

When the daughter-in-law said the clouds had gathered, the mother-in-law told her to soak rice for crepes.

This proverb describes a situation where someone misinterprets a sign of trouble or a warning as a reason for celebration or greed. When the daughter-in-law warns of dark clouds (incoming rain/storm), the mother-in-law, thinking only of tasty food, asks to prepare for snacks. It is used to mock people who lack foresight or who are disconnected from reality due to their desires.

When the daughter-in-law said the boundary logs have been laid, the mother-in-law told her to move them back by a handful.

This proverb is used to describe a person (usually someone in authority) who gives unnecessary or contradictory advice just to show their dominance, even when the work done is perfectly fine. It highlights the tendency of some people to find faults or demand changes simply to exercise their power.