ఆలికి అన్నంపెట్టి, ఊరును ఉద్దరించినట్లు అనుకుంటాడు

aliki annampetti, urunu uddarinchinatlu anukuntadu

Translation

Like thinking one has saved the whole village just by feeding his own wife.

Meaning

This expression is used to mock someone who performs a basic, mandatory duty (like providing for their own family) but acts as if they have done a massive favor to society or achieved something heroic. It describes people who boast about doing the bare minimum.

Related Phrases

Is feeding one's own wife a favor to the village?

This proverb is used to point out that fulfilling one's basic personal or familial responsibilities is not an act of charity or a service to society. It is used when someone brags about doing something they are naturally obligated to do.

Like hooking a thorn bush blowing in the wind to one's own leg.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily gets involved in a problem that has nothing to do with them, thereby creating trouble for themselves. It is similar to the English idiom 'to look for trouble'.

Put all relationships in the graveyard, then ask 'Sister-in-law/Aunt, help me lift this basket'.

This proverb describes a hypocritical person who disregards social decorum and treats others disrespectfully, but shamelessly claims a relationship or asks for help the moment they need a favor. It is used to criticize those who value relationships only for their own convenience.

Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.

Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.

This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.

Will the mere birth of a son uplift the lineage?

This expression suggests that simply having a son does not bring honor or progress to a family or community; rather, it is his virtues, character, and actions that truly matter. It is often used to emphasize quality of character over mere existence or gender.

Born to the wind and raised in the dust.

This expression describes someone who grew up without any parental care, guidance, or proper upbringing. It is used to refer to people who are self-raised in neglectful conditions or things that have appeared and developed haphazardly without any formal foundation or supervision.

Like feeding one's own sisters and keeping an account of it.

This proverb refers to someone who is extremely stingy or overly meticulous in a petty way. It describes the absurdity of tracking expenses or expecting repayment for acts of kindness or duty performed for close family members, where unconditional love should prevail over accounting.

Will the transplanting of seedlings be done on credit?

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain essential, labor-intensive, or time-sensitive tasks require immediate payment or resources and cannot be deferred or done for free. It specifically refers to agricultural labor (transplanting paddy) where workers must be paid promptly to ensure the work is completed on time.

Is feeding one's own wife a service to the village?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who tries to take credit for doing their basic duty or personal responsibility as if they are doing a great favor to society. It highlights that fulfilling one's own domestic or personal obligations is not a public service.