అక్కరకు రాని ఆలిని, ఆర్గురు బిడ్డలతల్లి అయినా విడవాలి.

akkaraku rani alini, arguru biddalatalli ayina vidavali.

Translation

A wife who is of no use should be abandoned, even if she is the mother of six children.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that someone who does not help or stand by you in times of need is a burden, regardless of their status or the history shared with them. It is used to suggest that reliability and support are more valuable than mere titles or past contributions in a relationship or partnership.

Related Phrases

Although the mother and child are one, the mouth and belly are separate. Two men may be great friends, still their wants must be separately pro- vided for.

This proverb emphasizes individuality and self-interest. It means that despite the closest of human bonds (like a mother and child), every person has their own physical needs, hunger, and personal destiny. It is often used to suggest that even in intimate relationships, people must eventually look after themselves or that one's internal feelings and needs cannot be fully shared by another.

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.

Even a mother will not give milk unless the baby cries.

This proverb is used to explain that nothing is achieved or gained without asking or putting in the necessary effort. Even those who care for you most may not fulfill your needs unless you express them. It is commonly used to motivate someone to speak up for their rights or requirements.

One's wife is another's mother.

This proverb emphasizes respect and moral conduct towards women. It suggests that every woman should be treated with the same respect one gives to their own mother, highlighting that a woman who is a wife to someone is essentially a mother figure to others in society.

They said to let go of a wife who is not in control and a sandal that does not fit.

This proverb suggests that things which do not serve their purpose or are constantly causing trouble and friction should be abandoned. Just as an ill-fitting shoe causes pain with every step, a relationship without mutual understanding or discipline causes constant misery, and it is better to distance oneself from such sources of grief.

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.

For the women who have left, Vidavalur is the place.

This proverb refers to finding a place or a group that welcomes those who have been cast out or have abandoned their previous lives. Historically, Vidavalur (a village in Nellore) was metaphorically cited as a refuge for destitute or runaway women. In a broader sense, it suggests that there is always a specific gathering spot or a common destination for people of a similar unfortunate or unconventional status.

Unless the child cries, even the mother will not give it suck. Nothing is got without asking. Lose nothing for asking. Asking costs little. (Italian.)?

This proverb is used to convey that one must ask or voice their needs to get what they want. In this world, even those who love you most might not realize your requirements unless you express them or struggle for them.

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.

While the seal is still intact, she became a mother of three children.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone claims to have done something impossible or where results have appeared suspiciously fast without the necessary process. It refers to maintaining a facade of innocence or purity (the seal) while the reality (three children) suggests otherwise. It is often used to highlight hypocrisy or blatant lies regarding one's conduct.