అలుకపాన్పు మీద అల్లుడలిగితే, అత్త కంగారుపడ్డట్లు

alukapanpu mida alludaligite, atta kangarupaddatlu

Translation

Like a mother-in-law worrying when the son-in-law sulks on the sulking-couch.

Meaning

This expression describes a situation where someone is overly anxious or desperate to please a person who is intentionally being difficult or moody. It refers to a traditional setting where a son-in-law might act offended to get attention, causing unnecessary panic for the mother-in-law who tries too hard to appease him.

Related Phrases

The bed of resentment (or sulking)

In ancient literature and folklore, it refers to a designated place where a queen or a spouse would retreat when angry or upset with their partner. In modern usage, it describes a state of silent resentment or sulking over a disagreement.

Getting into a pet with the tank, he would not wash his feet in it.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's spiteful or stubborn actions only end up hurting themselves rather than the person or thing they are angry with. It is used when a person boycotts something essential out of spite, resulting in their own disadvantage.

When a man grows angry, his reason rides out.

Like a cloth falling over wide-open eyes

This expression describes a situation where a sudden, unexpected obstacle or misfortune completely obstructs one's vision or progress just when everything seemed clear and promising. It is used when a person is caught off guard by a problem that renders them helpless or blind to the situation at hand.

If you are angry at the lake, who suffers the loss?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone's anger or protest only harms themselves rather than the person or thing they are angry with. It is similar to the English expression 'cutting off your nose to spite your face.' It highlights the futility of boycotting something that you personally depend on for survival or benefit.

If the son-in-law gets in a huff, he will [ only ] take away the daughter. Said by a father-in-law or mother-in-law.

This proverb describes a situation where an angry person can only hurt or affect those who are already their own or within their control. It is used to suggest that someone's spiteful actions or 'threats' ultimately result in no real loss to the other party, or that the consequences stay within their own family circle.

Like being kicked and landing on a cotton mattress.

This expression describes a situation where an intended punishment, setback, or hostile action unexpectedly results in a beneficial or comfortable outcome for the victim. It is used when someone's attempt to harm another person actually ends up helping them or putting them in a better position.

Even if a village falls upon another village, not a penny will fall on the Karanam.

This proverb highlights the extreme selfishness or stinginess of a person in power. A 'Karanam' was a village accountant/official; the saying implies that no matter how much disaster or collective burden falls upon society, certain greedy or clever individuals will ensure they don't lose a single cent of their own wealth or take any responsibility.

Hands on the shop, eyes on the mother-in-law.

This proverb describes someone who is physically performing a task in one place (like working in a shop) but is mentally preoccupied or keeping a suspicious eye on someone else (the mother-in-law) to ensure they aren't being cheated or monitored. It is used to describe a person who lacks focus or is overly suspicious of others while working.

Like a grasshopper falling into the fire.

This expression describes a situation where someone blindly rushes into a dangerous situation or self-destruction without realizing the consequences. It is used to signify a fatal mistake or an inevitable doom caused by one's own impulsive actions, similar to the English idiom 'like a moth to a flame'.

Though a hundred [pagodas] be levied from the village, not a cash will be paid by the Karanaṁ. A cash ( కాసు ) is 1-60th of an Anna. The instrument of oppression does not himself suffer.

This proverb describes a situation where an influential person or authority figure remains unaffected by the troubles or financial burdens that plague the community they oversee. It is used to highlight systemic corruption or the cleverness of bureaucrats who ensure their own safety and wealth while others suffer losses.