ఆలికి గంజిపోయనివాడు ఆచారము చెప్పె, తల్లికి గంజిపోయని వాడు తగవు చెప్పె.
aliki ganjipoyanivadu acharamu cheppe, talliki ganjipoyani vadu tagavu cheppe.
The one who doesn't feed his wife preaches traditions; the one who doesn't feed his mother preaches justice.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who give lectures on morals, values, and traditions while failing to fulfill their most basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of people who cannot take care of their own family but try to act as moral guides or mediators for others.
Related Phrases
తల్లికి కానివాడు దాదికవునా
talliki kanivadu dadikavuna
Will he who is disliked by his mother, be liked by his nurse?
This proverb is used to point out that if a person fails to fulfill their duties or show respect to those closest to them (like their own parents), they cannot be trusted to be faithful or caring toward others. It highlights that character is consistent, and one who neglects primary relationships will likely neglect secondary ones as well.
అప్పులేని గంజి దొప్పెడే చాలును
appuleni ganji doppede chalunu
A cupful of rice water without debt is enough.
This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that a humble or meager meal earned honestly and without borrowing is far better than a feast bought with borrowed money. It is used to advise people to live within their means and prioritize financial independence over luxury.
Out of debt, out of danger. Happy is he who owes nothing. (Greek.) !
తల్లికి కూడు పెట్టనివాడు తగవు చెప్పేడు, పెళ్ళానికి చాలనివాడు పెత్తనం చేసేడు.
talliki kudu pettanivadu tagavu cheppedu, pellaniki chalanivadu pettanam chesedu.
One who doesn't feed his mother gives judgments; one who can't provide for his wife exerts authority.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who try to solve other people's problems or lead society while failing to fulfill their basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of someone seeking respect or power externally when they are incompetent or neglectful in their personal life.
తాగను గంజి లేదు కానీ, తలకి అటికలట
taganu ganji ledu kani, talaki atikalata
Not even gruel to drink, but asks for flowers/decorations for the head.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks basic necessities or means of survival, yet indulges in unnecessary luxuries or shows off beyond their status. It highlights the irony of being poor but maintaining a false sense of vanity or pride.
మొగుడు ఇయ్యని గౌరవం, తల్లి చేయని గారాబం
mogudu iyyani gauravam, talli cheyani garabam
Honor not given by the husband, pampering not done by the mother.
This expression refers to something that is impossible to obtain or non-existent. It highlights that if a husband doesn't respect his wife and a mother doesn't pamper her child, one cannot expect to find those feelings from anyone else in the world. It is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential support is missing.
అడిగే వాడికి చెప్పేవాడు లోకువ.
adige vadiki cheppevadu lokuva.
For the one who asks, the one who answers seems inferior in status.
It is easier to put questions than to answer them. It is therefore necessary to be considerate to others and raise only genuine doubts for proper clarification.
నవ్వ చెప్పేవాడు చెడ జెప్పును, యేడవ చెప్పేవాడు బ్రతక చెప్పును.
navva cheppevadu cheda jeppunu, yedava cheppevadu brataka cheppunu.
He who speaks to make you laugh, speaks to your ruin; he who speaks to make you weep, speaks to your profit. A friend's frown is better than a fool's smile.
This proverb highlights the difference between a sycophant and a true well-wisher. Someone who always tells you what you want to hear (making you laugh/happy) might be leading you toward a downfall by ignoring your mistakes. In contrast, a true friend or mentor who criticizes you or tells you harsh truths (making you cry/sad) actually helps you improve and succeed in life.
తల్లికి కూడుపెట్టనివాడు పినతల్లికి చీరపెట్టేదట
talliki kudupettanivadu pinatalliki chirapettedata
One who doesn't feed his own mother is said to buy a saree for his maternal aunt.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy or misplaced priorities. It refers to someone who neglects their fundamental duties or those closest to them, yet tries to gain a good reputation by performing grand gestures for others or distant relatives. It highlights the irony of showing off generosity to the world while failing to meet basic responsibilities at home.
తల్లికి కూడు పెట్టనివాడు తగుదు తగుదునని తగువు తీర్చ వచ్చినట్టు
talliki kudu pettanivadu tagudu tagudunani taguvu tircha vachchinattu
Like a man who neglects his mother coming with a bold face to settle a dispute between others. Shamefacedness.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who ignore their primary responsibilities at home but act like wise leaders or mediators in public affairs. It highlights the irony of someone trying to solve others' problems while failing at their most basic moral duties.
అప్పులేని గంజి దొప్పెడే చాలు
appuleni ganji doppede chalu
A small bowl of gruel without debt is enough.
This proverb emphasizes the peace of mind that comes with being debt-free. It suggests that living a humble or simple life within one's means is far superior to living luxuriously on borrowed money. It is used to advise someone to prioritize financial independence and contentment over superficial status.