అమ్మ కడుపు చూస్తుంది, ఆలి జేబు చూస్తుంది
amma kadupu chustundi, ali jebu chustundi
The mother looks at the stomach, the wife looks at the pocket.
This proverb contrasts maternal love with the practical expectations of marital life. It suggests that a mother's primary concern is always her child's well-being and hunger, whereas a wife (metaphorically) focuses on the husband's financial stability and ability to provide for the family.
Related Phrases
గుడ్డు పెట్టలేక పెట్ట చస్తుంటే, తొక్కను పుంజు చూస్తుందట.
guddu pettaleka petta chastunte, tokkanu punju chustundata.
While the hen is dying because she cannot lay the egg, the rooster is busy staring at the eggshell.
This proverb describes a situation where one person is undergoing extreme suffering or a life-threatening struggle, while another person nearby is indifferent and only cares about a trivial or selfish detail. It is used to criticize lack of empathy and misplaced priorities during a crisis.
కాడు రమ్మంటుంది, ఊరు పొమ్మంటుంది
kadu rammantundi, uru pommantundi
The graveyard calls you in, while the village tells you to leave.
This proverb is used to describe an elderly person who is nearing the end of their life. It signifies that they have reached a stage where society (the village) no longer has a place for them, and death (the graveyard) is imminent. It can also be used to mock someone who is very old but still behaves with youthful greed or attachment.
ఎద్దును చూస్తే ముద్దు వస్తుంది, ఈడ్పు చూస్తే పడ్పు వస్తుంది
eddunu chuste muddu vastundi, idpu chuste padpu vastundi
Looking at the ox brings affection, but looking at its struggle to pull brings weariness.
This proverb highlights the contrast between the attractive appearance or potential of something and the harsh reality of the hard work or effort required to manage it. It is used when someone likes the idea or the look of a project or responsibility, but is discouraged once they see the difficult labor involved in executing it.
పగలు చూస్తే రాత్రి కలలో వస్తుంది అన్నట్లు
pagalu chuste ratri kalalo vastundi annatlu
As if what you see during the day appears in your dreams at night
This expression refers to things that leave such a strong impression on the mind that they continue to haunt or reappear in thoughts. It is used to describe someone who is obsessed with a particular thought or a traumatic/intense event that they cannot stop thinking about even when asleep.
ఇల్లు చూస్తే తెలుస్తుంది ఇల్లాలి అందం
illu chuste telustundi illali andam
A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.
This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.
ఇల్లు చూస్తే చాలు ఇల్లాలు శుభప్రవర్తన తెలుస్తుంది.
illu chuste chalu illalu shubhapravartana telustundi.
Looking at the house is enough to know the housewife's character.
This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and atmosphere of a home reflect the personality, management skills, and discipline of the woman of the house. It is used to imply that surroundings often reveal the true nature of the person responsible for them.
మొగుడిని చూస్తే పైత్యం, ముండను చూస్తే ముచ్చట.
mogudini chuste paityam, mundanu chuste muchchata.
Looking at the husband causes irritation, but looking at a widow (mistress) brings delight.
This proverb is used to describe a person who dislikes or finds fault with their own family or legitimate responsibilities but shows great enthusiasm and affection for outsiders or improper things. It highlights misplaced priorities and hypocrisy in one's behavior.
అంతంతవాళ్లే చూస్తే ఆవు పెయ్యే కుమ్మ వస్తుంది.
antantavalle chuste avu peyye kumma vastundi.
If one looks at the great and mighty, even a cow's calf will try to gore them.
This proverb is used to describe an underdog or a less significant person gaining courage or audacity to challenge powerful people when they see others doing the same, or when the mighty appear vulnerable. It reflects on how influence or momentum can make even the weak act boldly against those who are traditionally superior.
పెండ్లిని చూస్తూ ఒకడుంటే, పెండ్లాన్ని చూస్తూ ఒకడున్నాడు.
pendlini chustu okadunte, pendlanni chustu okadunnadu.
While one is looking at the wedding ceremony, another is looking at the bride.
This proverb highlights how different people have different priorities or intentions in the same situation. While one person may be focused on the event or the process (the wedding), another may be focused on personal gain or a specific attraction (the wife). It is used to describe situations where people's motives are not aligned despite being in the same environment.
కాలం పోతుంది మాట నిలుస్తుంది
kalam potundi mata nilustundi
Time passes away, but the word remains
This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.