అముడు అంటే తెముడు, అత్త అంటే మామ.

amudu ante temudu, atta ante mama.

Translation

If I say 'Amudu', he says 'Temudu'; if I say 'Mother-in-law', he says 'Father-in-law'.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person who is intentionally argumentative or contradictory. It is used to mock someone who habitually gives opposite or nonsensical replies to whatever is said, making communication impossible.

Related Phrases

If you say 'Uu' it's a mistake, if you say 'Aa' it's a mistake, and saying 'Narayana' is considered an insult.

This expression is used to describe an extremely difficult person or situation where no matter what you say or how politely you behave, the other person finds fault with it. It characterizes a scenario of irrational criticism where even a divine name (Narayana) is twisted into something negative.

When requested, 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, please serve some food,' she replied, 'I will apply lime (chunam) instead.'

This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.

A washerwoman of a mother-in-law, a barber of a father- in-law. A man abusing his wife's parents.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an individual is surrounded by people who are constantly gossiping or leaking secrets. In traditional village settings, the washerman (Chakali) and the barber (Mangali) visited every household and were known to be the primary sources of local news and gossip. Having them as close relatives implies that one's private matters will never remain secret and will be broadcast to the entire community.

When someone spoke of a man possessing all virtuous qualities, another asked if he meant 'Lame Seethamma's husband'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes an absurd or insulting comparison between a person of high excellence and someone who is completely unworthy or insignificant. It highlights the ignorance or sarcastic arrogance of a person who cannot appreciate true greatness.

Complaining about the husband, but greedy for the money

This expression describes a person who constantly complains about their spouse's presence or behavior but is very eager to enjoy the financial benefits and wealth provided by them. It is used to highlight hypocrisy or material greed in a relationship.

Saying 'no' reduces grace, saying 'yes' increases life span.

This expression highlights the social and personal value of being agreeable and positive. It suggests that a negative or confrontational attitude (saying 'no') makes one appear dull or ungraceful, whereas a positive, cooperative, or 'yes' attitude leads to a stress-free, longer, and more harmonious life.

Like a sacred bull nodding its head to whatever 'Dudu Basavanna' says.

This expression is used to describe a person who mindlessly agrees with everything someone says without thinking for themselves or questioning the logic. It refers to the 'Gangireddu' (decorated bull) tradition where the bull nods its head to its master's rhythmic commands.

When asked why he had no mustache, he said he resembles his paternal aunt; when asked why he had a beard, he said he resembles his maternal uncle.

This proverb is used to describe a person who gives silly, illogical, or contradictory excuses to cover up their flaws or inconsistencies. It points out the absurdity of someone who tries to justify everything with convenient but nonsensical reasoning.

When asked 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, when will you go to sleep?', she replied 'I will go after killing you'.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is waiting for an opportunity or for someone to leave/relax, but the other person is so stubborn or hostile that they refuse to give in or intend to cause harm before they yield. It is used to illustrate deep-seated animosity or someone being extremely difficult to deal with.

If you give a little to the whole community, each individual gets only a tiny bit like a fingernail.

This proverb is used to describe situations where a resource, when distributed among a very large group of people, results in each person receiving a negligible or insignificant amount. It highlights the dilution of benefits in over-crowded or large-scale distributions.