ఆకలి కత్తులు నూరితే ఆలితో అలుక తీరుతుంది.

akali kattulu nurite alito aluka tirutundi.

Translation

If hunger sharpens the knives, the tiff with the wife will end.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the power of basic needs over petty emotions. It suggests that when one is extremely hungry, they will set aside their anger or grievances (specifically with a spouse who provides food) just to satisfy their appetite. It is used to describe situations where practical necessity forces a person to compromise or reconcile.

Related Phrases

A Talâri's hate ends with one's head. Talâri is a village watchman.

This expression suggests that certain rivalries or grudges held by powerful or stubborn individuals will only end in total destruction or extreme consequences. It is used to describe a situation where an enemy will not stop until they have achieved complete revenge, implying that one should be cautious of making enemies with those in positions of authority or those who harbor deep-seated resentment.

Will poverty be cured by begging?

This proverb suggests that one cannot solve fundamental problems or deep-seated poverty through small, temporary handouts or charity. It emphasizes that major issues require sustainable solutions rather than superficial or temporary fixes.

A tongueless bone can say anything.

This expression is used to describe people who make irresponsible statements, false promises, or inconsistent claims because the tongue is flexible and has no bone to restrain it. It highlights that talk is cheap and people can easily lie or change their words without consequence.

If spoken, it becomes a scandal; if not spoken, it becomes a source of contempt.

This proverb describes a 'catch-22' or a dilemma where a person is stuck between two bad options. It is used when pointing out a mistake might lead to public embarrassment or unwanted drama (aaradi), but staying silent might lead others to take one's patience for granted or treat them with disrespect (alusu).

When the Kalivi berries ripen, the season (or difficult time) ends.

This proverb is used to indicate that certain natural indicators signify the end of a specific period, often suggesting that hardship or a waiting period is coming to a close. In a rural context, it refers to the seasonal availability of wild berries marking the transition of time.

A sin committed is cleared if confessed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and honesty. It suggests that the burden of a mistake or wrongdoing is relieved once it is admitted openly, similar to the English expression 'A fault confessed is half redressed'.

A boneless tongue can be turned in any direction.

This expression is used to describe people who are inconsistent, make false promises, or change their words easily to suit their convenience. Since the tongue has no bone, it can 'bend' to say anything, implying that a person can lie or go back on their word without any physical restraint or moral conviction.

The boneless tongue turns in any way.

This proverb is used to describe people who are inconsistent with their words, lie easily, or make promises they don't intend to keep. Since the tongue has no bone to restrict its movement, it can say anything (true or false) to suit the situation or to escape accountability.

Said of a liar. He lies as fast as a dog can trot.

The snake that has coiled around the leg will definitely bite

This expression is used to describe a dangerous situation or a person who is relentlessly harmful. It implies that if you associate with or get trapped by something inherently dangerous or evil, it will eventually cause harm, no matter how much you try to ignore or avoid it. It is often used to warn that some problems won't just go away without consequences.

Even if a servant gets possessed by Lord Shiva, can they avoid bowing down?

This proverb is used to say that regardless of one's arrogance or temporary rise in status, one still has to fulfill their duties or show respect to their superiors. It highlights that certain social or professional hierarchies remain unchanged despite one's behavior.