ఆ మాటకూ ఈ మాటకూ పెద్ద కోడలు, ఆ చేతి పెట్టుకు ఈ చేతి పెట్టుకు అడ్డుగోడ.

a mataku i mataku pedda kodalu, a cheti pettuku i cheti pettuku addugoda.

Translation

A daughter-in-law for this word and that word; a dividing wall for this hand's serving and that hand's serving.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who interferes in every conversation and meddles in every task, effectively becoming a nuisance or an obstacle. It is used to mock someone who is overly talkative, intrusive, or creates unnecessary barriers between people.

Related Phrases

A garland of flowers in a monkey's paw.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a valuable object or a position of responsibility is given to someone who is incapable of understanding its value or doesn't know how to handle it properly, eventually leading to its destruction.

A good thing thrown away on a stupid person.

A slap in the face for knocking one's head against the wall.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone faces double trouble or a series of unfortunate events simultaneously. It conveys the idea of being hit by problems from multiple directions at once, leaving the person overwhelmed.

Misfortunes seldom come alone.

Grace to speech, melody to song

This expression emphasizes the essential qualities of communication and art. It suggests that just as a song must be melodious to be enjoyed, speech should be graceful, polite, and meaningful to be effective. It is used to describe someone who speaks beautifully or to highlight the importance of eloquence.

A mirror in a woman's hand and a child in a man's hand do not survive.

This is a traditional proverb highlighting gender-stereotypical roles from the past. It suggests that a mirror in a woman's hand will break because she uses it too frequently, and a baby in a man's hand will not thrive because he lacks the natural nurturing patience or skill required for childcare. In modern usage, it is often cited to remark on the lack of care or the inherent risk of mishandling something when it is not in the hands of an 'expert' or 'natural' caretaker.

Investing in the son-in-law led to the loss of the investment intended for the son.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone prioritizes an outsider or a distant relative over their own family, only to end up losing everything. It highlights the folly of misplaced priorities and the resulting regret when a primary responsibility is neglected for a secondary one.

Are these the only drops for that thunder?

Used when the results or outcomes are extremely underwhelming compared to the grand build-up, loud hype, or threats made earlier. It signifies disappointment when a large commotion results in a very small action.

She talks like a mother, but she feeds me like a step mother.

This expression describes a person who speaks very kindly and affectionately but fails to provide any actual help or substance. It is used to point out the hypocrisy of someone whose actions do not match their sweet words, particularly in contexts of hospitality or generosity.

Said of a step mother.

Does it mean that being poor, one should be poor in one’s speech as well?

One may give a noble speech, even if one is financially poor. The nobility of one does not depend on one’s wealth or the lack of it.

As big as the tree is, so much is the wind.

This proverb suggests that responsibilities, problems, or rewards are proportional to one's stature, status, or capacity. For example, a larger business faces bigger risks, or a person with a high income has higher expenses.

The eldest son of quarrels (or troubles).

Used to describe a person who is extremely troublesome, argumentative, or someone who always finds a reason to pick a fight or create a dispute. It implies that the person is a 'pioneer' or a 'master' at creating unnecessary complications.