అల్లుడికి అత్తాశ, బాపడికి పప్పాశ, గొడ్డుకు దూడాశ

alludiki attasha, bapadiki pappasha, godduku dudasha

Translation

The son-in-law longs for his mother-in-law, the priest longs for dal, and the cattle long for their calf.

Meaning

This proverb humorously highlights the predictable or inherent desires and attachments of different people or animals based on their roles or instincts. It is used to describe situations where someone acts exactly as their natural or social inclination dictates.

Related Phrases

Wishing for porridge and also for mustaches.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context, one cannot drink porridge (ambali) from a bowl without getting it on their mustache. It is used to critique someone who is being greedy or unrealistic by trying to enjoy a benefit without accepting the associated consequences or trade-offs.

The two don't go well together.

The mother-in-law desires a son-in-law, the brahmin desires dal.

This proverb describes the natural or predictable inclinations and desires of specific people. It highlights that everyone has their own set of expectations or things they fond of; just as a mother-in-law is keen on her son-in-law's arrival or wellbeing, a traditional brahmin is humorously noted for his love of a good meal (specifically dal). It is used to point out obvious preferences.

Desire for the porridge, desire for the mustache.

This proverb describes a person who wants two things that are mutually exclusive or incompatible. In the context of the saying, drinking porridge (ambali) would inevitably soil one's mustache; therefore, one cannot keep the mustache clean while enjoying the drink. It is used to mock someone who is indecisive or greedy, wanting to enjoy a benefit without accepting the necessary sacrifice or consequence.

A mother-in-law's desire for a son-in-law, a priest's desire for dal (lentils).

This proverb is used to describe predictable or characteristic desires. Just as it is common for a mother-in-law to favor her son-in-law or a traditional priest to have a fondness for the food served at rituals (specifically dal), it refers to people having natural, expected, or deep-seated longings for certain things.

Lust for the food, and lust for the mustache.

This proverb refers to a person who wants two contradictory things at the same time. In ancient culture, eating a full meal (especially liquid-based traditional food) might soil a well-groomed mustache. It is used to describe a situation where someone wants to enjoy a benefit but is unwilling to compromise on their pride or vanity, or simply wants 'the best of both worlds' when they are mutually exclusive.

Complaining about the husband, but greedy for the money

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

The pond longs for water, and the water longs for the pond.

This expression describes a mutually beneficial or codependent relationship where two entities need each other to exist or fulfill their purpose. It is used to illustrate situations where both parties are equally dependent on one another, much like how a pond is just a pit without water, and water needs a container to stay gathered.

Desire for the hanging pot, but disgust for the granary.

This expression describes a person who desires something small or unattainable (represented by 'Utti', a hanging net for pots) while neglecting or showing disdain for something abundant and valuable already in their possession (represented by 'Putti', a large grain measurement/granary). It is used to mock those who lack a sense of priority or fail to appreciate their own resources.

The son-in-law hopes for the mother-in-law's favor, while the barren cow hopes for a calf.

This proverb is used to describe unrealistic expectations or futile hopes. It points out the absurdity of someone expecting something from a source that cannot or will not provide it, just as a barren cow cannot have a calf or a son-in-law might over-depend on his in-laws for sustainance.

The Brahman is fond of Dâl, the mother-in-law is fond of her son-in-law.

This proverb describes natural or stereotypical desires associated with specific roles. It implies that everyone has their own particular weaknesses, yearnings, or expectations based on their position in life. It is often used to remark on how people are inherently drawn toward things that benefit them or things they are traditionally expected to favor.