అయితే ఆసురాలు - కాకుంటే దాసురాలు
ayite asuralu - kakunte dasuralu
Either a demoness or a servant girl.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks moderation or a middle ground. It refers to someone who is either extremely aggressive and dominating (like a demoness) or completely submissive and servile (like a servant), switching between these extremes depending on the situation or their mood.
Related Phrases
అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలులేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు.
attaleni kodalu uttamuralu, kodaluleni atta gunavanturalu.
Where there is no mother-in-law, the daughter-in-law is per- fect; where there is no daughter-in-law, the mother-in-law is good tempered. As long I was a daughter-in-law I never had a good mother-in-law, and as long as I was a mother-in-law I never had a good daughter-in-law. (Spanish.)
This proverb is a satirical take on the stereotypical conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. It suggests that they only seem perfect or virtuous when they don't have to interact or deal with each other, implying that friction is inevitable in their relationship.
* Aquella es bien casada, que no tiene suegra ni cuñada. † En cuanto fue suera, nunca tuvo buena suegra, y en cuanto fue suegra, nunca tuvo buena suera.
పెద్ద కొడుకు పెండ్లి, అసుర భోజనం
pedda koduku pendli, asura bhojanam
The eldest son's marriage, and the giant's dinner.
This proverb is used to describe a situation that is chaotic, unorganized, or characterized by excessive haste and lack of discipline. It refers to an event where, due to mismanagement or overwhelming crowds, the food is consumed greedily or served in a disorderly fashion, much like a feast of demons.
A giant had to be supplied with a man daily by the villagers in turn. ( See Vikramârka Tales in Telugu Selections Page 41. ) A happy event and a great misfortune coming together.
కౌగిలించుకుంటే కవ్వింత, కసిరి కొడితే కిర్రాలు
kaugilinchukunte kavvinta, kasiri kodite kirralu
A hug is a thrill; being scolded or pushed away is exciting.
This expression is used to describe the playful and romantic dynamics between lovers. It suggests that in a state of deep infatuation or love, even a partner's playful rejection, mock anger, or scolding feels pleasurable and charming rather than offensive.
అయితే ఆరుగ, కాకుంటే కంది.
ayite aruga, kakunte kandi.
If the Âruga fails, we shall have Kandi. These are both sown together. The Âruga crop sometimes perishes. To have two strings to one's bow. Good riding at two anchors men have told ; For if one break, the other may hold.
This proverb is used to describe a 'hit or miss' situation or a risky venture where there are only two extreme possibilities. It signifies a state of uncertainty where one will either get a quick, small result or a delayed, substantial one, often used when someone takes a gamble without being sure of the specific outcome.
* Aut Cæsar aut nullus.
సురసుర మండే నిప్పు, జరజర పారే నీరు
surasura mande nippu, jarajara pare niru
Sizzling burning fire, fast flowing water
This expression is used to describe elements or situations that are in their most natural, potent, and unstoppable state. It highlights the inherent power of nature—fire that burns intensely and water that flows rapidly—often used as a metaphor for things that cannot be easily contained or ignored.
అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలు లేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు
attaleni kodalu uttamuralu, kodalu leni atta gunavanturalu
A daughter-in-law without a mother-in-law is the best; a mother-in-law without a daughter-in-law is of noble character.
This proverb sarcastically points out that it is easy for people to appear perfect or virtuous when there is no one around to challenge them or reveal their flaws. It highlights that conflict often arises in relationships (specifically between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law), and the absence of the 'opposing' party is what makes a person seem flawless.
అసురులకు మద్యపానం, సురలకు మద్యమావతి
asurulaku madyapanam, suralaku madyamavati
Alcohol for demons, Madhyamavati raga for gods.
This expression highlights how different tastes or preferences suit different characters. While demons (Asuras) indulge in alcohol for pleasure, gods (Suras) find bliss in the classical melody of Madhyamavati raga. It is used to describe how a refined person finds joy in art or spirituality, whereas a crude person finds it in base indulgences.
అయితే ఆరిక, కాకుంటే కంది
ayite arika, kakunte kandi
If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.
This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.
అయితే అతడి ఆలి, కాకపోతే దాసురాలు
ayite atadi ali, kakapote dasuralu
"If we succeed, she shall be his wife; if not, she shall be a recluse." Said by the parents of a girl, who had set their hearts upon getting her married to a certain man. Either Cæsar or nobody. (Latin.)
This expression describes a situation where an outcome results in one of two extremes—either total success or complete subservience/failure. It is used to describe a high-stakes scenario or a person who finds themselves in a position where they must either be the master of a situation or its humble servant, with no middle ground.
గడుసురాలు మగని గంపతో నమ్మురా
gadusuralu magani gampato nammura
A cunning woman will sell her husband along with the basket.
This proverb is used to describe an extremely shrewd, manipulative, or overly clever person who is capable of deceiving even those closest to them for personal gain. It emphasizes the extent of someone's craftiness.