ఆలికి అదుపు ఇంటికి పొదుపు

aliki adupu intiki podupu

Translation

Discipline for the wife and frugality for the home.

Meaning

This traditional proverb suggests that a well-managed household depends on two main pillars: a disciplined or well-behaved spouse who maintains order, and the practice of saving money or being thrifty. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-control and financial management in achieving domestic harmony and prosperity.

Related Phrases

If one dies, there is one cry; if one lives, there is crying for a lifetime.

This proverb describes a situation where life is so filled with continuous suffering, misery, or struggle that death is seen as a singular moment of grief for others, whereas living is an endless cycle of pain for the individual. It is used to highlight extreme hardship or a state of perpetual sorrow.

That house has no door, and this house has no doorframe.

This proverb is used to describe two people or entities that are equally flawed, destitute, or lacking in basic necessities. It signifies a situation where neither side can help the other because both are in a state of ruin or insufficiency.

For conversation at our house, for a meal at your house.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very friendly and talkative but avoids being hospitable or sharing food. It refers to a person who is happy to host a conversation but expects others to provide the meal or resources. It highlights a one-sided relationship or stinginess disguised as friendliness.

The hardship of a lonely person does not reach home.

This expression means that the labor or efforts of a person without a family or support system are often wasted or unacknowledged. In a broader sense, it highlights that when one works only for themselves without anyone to share the benefits or the burden, the true value of that work is lost.

Infection to the eye, pain to the body

This expression is used to describe a situation that is extremely annoying, constant, and difficult to ignore. Just as an eye infection causes persistent discomfort and a body ache makes one restless, this phrase refers to a person or a problem that causes continuous irritation or trouble.

Like a Tamil mourning. Among the Tamilians, women are sometimes hired to mourn over a deceased person. Applied to an unwilling performance of any duty.

This expression is used to describe excessive, loud, or dramatic wailing that often seems exaggerated or insincere. It refers to a noisy, boisterous way of expressing grief or complaining, typically used in a derogatory or mocking sense to tell someone to stop making a scene.

One who cannot keep his wife in control, can he control everyone else?

This proverb suggests that if a person cannot manage their own domestic affairs or immediate responsibilities, they are unlikely to be capable of leading or controlling a larger group of people. It is used to mock the leadership claims of those who lack discipline in their personal lives.

Like filling one's stomach through skillful tactics.

This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.

That house has no fence, and this house has no latch.

This proverb describes a state of total insecurity, neglect, or lack of discipline. It is used to refer to a situation where there are no boundaries or protections in place, often implying that a system or family is disorganized and vulnerable to outside interference or internal chaos.

That house has no fence, and this house has no latch.

This proverb describes a situation of complete lack of security or discipline. It is used to refer to households or organizations where there is no control, no boundaries, and no protection, often implying a state of mismanagement or vulnerability where anyone can come and go as they please.