అమ్మాయి పుట్టింది అంటే! ఆయువు సగం కుంగింది అన్నమాటే!
ammayi puttindi ante! ayuvu sagam kungindi annamate!
If a girl is born, it means half of one's lifespan has decreased.
This is a traditional patriarchal expression reflecting the historical social and financial anxieties associated with raising a daughter in some rural contexts. It suggests that the perceived burden of responsibilities, such as protecting her honor and arranging a dowry for marriage, takes a significant toll on a father's life and health. In modern contexts, it is often cited when discussing outdated social stigmas.
Related Phrases
నంది అంటే నంది, పంది అంటే పంది
nandi ante nandi, pandi ante pandi
If he says it's Śiva's bull, it is Śiva's bull; if he says it's a pig, it is a pig.
This expression describes extreme sycophancy, blind obedience, or a 'yes-man' attitude. It is used to characterize someone who agrees with everything a powerful person says, even if the statements are contradictory or obviously false, just to please them.
Said of the power of a great and unjust man.
అగ్నికి వాయువు తోడైనట్లు
agniki vayuvu todainatlu
Like wind assisting fire.
This expression is used to describe a situation where an already powerful or intense force is further strengthened by another supporting factor. It is often used to describe how a problem becomes worse with additional provocation, or how a talented person achieves great things when they receive the right support.
ఇచ్చింది పోయింది అసలు రాదు.
ichchindi poyindi asalu radu.
What was given is gone, and the principal will never return.
This expression is used to describe a situation where money or resources lent or invested are completely lost. It signifies a total loss where neither the profit/interest nor the original capital is recoverable. It is often used as a cautionary remark about bad debts or risky ventures.
ఆ దారి ఎక్కడికి పోతుంది అని అంటే, ఎక్కడికీ పోదు, నేను పుట్టింది మొదలు ఇక్కడే ఉంది అన్నట్లు.
a dari ekkadiki potundi ani ante, ekkadiki podu, nenu puttindi modalu ikkade undi annatlu.
When asked where that road goes, replying that it doesn't go anywhere and has been right here since I was born.
A humorous or sarcastic expression used to describe a person who interprets a question too literally or lacks common sense. It mocks the ignorance of someone who fails to understand that 'where does the road go' refers to its destination, not its physical movement.
అయిందిరా పెండ్లి అంటే, అణిగిందిరా రంది అన్నాడట.
ayindira pendli ante, anigindira randi annadata.
When told 'The wedding is over,' he replied, 'The anxiety has finally subsided.'
This proverb is used to describe a sense of relief after a major, stressful task or responsibility is completed. It highlights the mental burden one carries until a significant event (like a wedding in the family) is successfully concluded, after which the person can finally find peace of mind.
నిజం చెప్పరావమ్మా అంటే కూనకు పిల్లపుట్టింది అన్నట్టు
nijam chepparavamma ante kunaku pillaputtindi annattu
When asked to come and tell the truth, she said the kitten has given birth to a baby.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gives a completely irrelevant, evasive, or nonsensical answer to avoid telling the truth or to dodge a direct question. It highlights the absurdity of the excuse provided.
నంది అంటే నందే, పంది అంటే పందే
nandi ante nande, pandi ante pande
If you say it's a bull, it's a bull; if you say it's a pig, it's a pig.
This expression describes a person who is a 'yes-man' or someone who blindly agrees with whatever an influential person says, regardless of the truth or logic. It highlights submissiveness or a lack of independent judgment, often used to mock someone who changes their stance just to please a superior.
అమ్మాయి పుట్టిందంటే ఆయువు సగం మింగినట్లు
ammayi puttindante ayuvu sagam minginatlu
If a girl is born, it is like half of one's lifespan is swallowed.
This is an old, traditional saying reflecting the societal burden and financial anxiety parents used to feel regarding the responsibilities of raising a daughter, particularly concerning dowry and marriage expenses. In modern contexts, it is often cited to discuss or critique historical patriarchal attitudes.
ఆడమంటే పాడమన్నాడట, పాడమంటే పొమ్మన్నాడట
adamante padamannadata, padamante pommannadata
When asked to dance, he sang; when asked to sing, he left.
This expression is used to describe someone who is being uncooperative, stubborn, or intentionally doing the opposite of what is requested. It highlights a person's lack of interest or skill in following simple instructions, often choosing to be difficult or evasive instead of helpful.
ఆడింది ఆట పాడింది పాట
adindi ata padindi pata
The game played is a game, and the song sung is a song.
This expression describes a situation where a person has absolute authority or dominance. It is used when someone's every action and word is accepted without question, or when they are in such a powerful position that whatever they do becomes the law or the norm.