ఆమెకు అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి కానీ ఐదోతనమే లేదు; ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టినప్పుడే ఆదరువు పుడుతుంది.

ameku anni unnayi kani aidotaname ledu; adapilla puttinappude adaruvu pudutundi.

Translation

She has everything except for her husband's life; when a girl is born, her livelihood is born with her.

Meaning

This entry consists of two distinct expressions. The first part, 'ఆమెకు అన్నీ ఉన్నాయి కానీ ఐదోతనమే లేదు', refers to a woman who has all material wealth but is a widow (lacking 'Aidothanam' or the status of a married woman). The second part, 'ఆడపిల్ల పుట్టినప్పుడే ఆదరువు పుడుతుంది', is a traditional saying suggesting that when a girl is born, her means of survival or luck (often referring to her future marriage and sustenance) are pre-destined or born with her.

Related Phrases

If you cheat your life, it will then and there ask [ for food ].

This expression highlights the power of conscience. It implies that when a person does something morally wrong or goes against their inner values, their conscience (the soul) will immediately trouble them with guilt. It is used to emphasize that one cannot escape the internal accountability of their own heart.

Impurity (Purudu) at birth.

This phrase refers to the traditional period of ritual impurity observed by a family after a child is born. In a broader philosophical context, it is often paired with 'Chachinappudu sutakam' (ritual impurity at death) to signify that life is bookended by ceremonies and certain constraints, or to imply that every beginning has its own set of initial challenges or obligations.

I lack nothing, but I am a widow.

This proverb describes a situation where one possesses all kinds of material wealth, comforts, and luxuries, but lacks the most essential or vital element that gives meaning to everything else. In a traditional context, it refers to a woman having everything except her husband, but it is used metaphorically to highlight any situation that is technically complete but practically worthless due to a single major void.

Even if she is a five-year-old girl, she is considered inferior to a three-year-old boy.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting historical gender biases and patriarchal structures. It suggests that regardless of age or physical superiority, a female was traditionally expected to be subordinate to a male. In modern usage, it is often cited when discussing social inequalities or criticizing outdated societal norms.

Ugadi was born when the village was born

This expression is used to describe something that has existed since the very beginning or has been a tradition since time immemorial. It signifies that a practice or an event is as old as the foundation of the place or community itself.

If you tell lies, daughters will be born.

This is a superstitious folk saying or an old wives' tale used traditionally to discourage lying. It suggests that dishonesty results in a 'burden' or a specific consequence (reflecting historical social biases). Nowadays, it is mostly used playfully or as a lighthearted warning to children to keep them from lying.

Will a goat be born to a tiger?

This proverb is used to say that children will naturally inherit the traits, strength, or nobility of their parents. It is typically used to express that a courageous or talented person's offspring will not be weak or incompetent. It is the Telugu equivalent of 'A chip off the old block'.

How can a wonder be born without something special?

This expression is similar to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that every unusual event, rumor, or surprising news must have some underlying cause or kernel of truth. It is used when someone questions the origin of a strange occurrence or a piece of gossip.

When she went in a rush, she gave birth to a girl child.

This proverb is used to mock someone who acts with extreme impatience or haste, only to end up with a result that is either ordinary or contrary to their expectations. It highlights that rushing doesn't guarantee a superior or desired outcome.

Everything is present, but the auspicious state of being a wife is missing.

This proverb describes a situation where everything looks perfect on the surface, but a critical, fundamental element is missing that renders everything else useless. In traditional context, 'Aidothanam' refers to being a 'Sumangali' (a woman whose husband is alive), which was considered the most important status. It is used to critique situations that are elaborate but lack the core essence or the most vital component.