అనువుగానిచోట పుండు, అల్లుడి వైద్యం, చెప్పుకుంటే ప్రాణం పోతుంది

anuvuganichota pundu, alludi vaidyam, cheppukunte pranam potundi

Translation

An ulcer in an inconvenient place, treated by the son-in-law, telling others about it causes death.

Meaning

This expression refers to a situation involving an extremely embarrassing problem or dilemma that cannot be shared with others, even though suffering through it is painful. It describes a predicament where the remedy is just as awkward or humiliating as the ailment itself, leaving the person in a state of silent, unbearable distress.

Related Phrases

If shown, honor is lost; if not shown, life is lost.

This expression describes a critical dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where every available option leads to a negative outcome. It is traditionally used in contexts like a medical emergency involving a modest person, or any situation where one must choose between a loss of dignity and a loss of life/safety.

Medical treatment from a maternal uncle for a sore on the buttocks

This expression refers to an extremely embarrassing or awkward situation where one is forced to seek help from a close relative for a private or shameful problem. It highlights the discomfort and loss of dignity involved when personal matters cannot be kept secret due to necessity.

A wound hidden under the clothes and a brother-in-law's treatment.

This proverb refers to a situation involving a personal or embarrassing problem that is kept hidden from the public, and is being handled by a close relative or a confidant in a secretive or potentially unqualified manner. It is used to describe matters that are kept 'within the family' to avoid social stigma, often implying that the solution might be makeshift or that the secrecy adds to the complexity of the issue.

A committed sin goes away if it is told.

This expression suggests that confessing one's mistakes or sins relieves the burden of guilt and leads to forgiveness. It is used to encourage honesty and transparency after making a mistake, implying that keeping a secret only worsens the moral weight of the action.

In an unsuitable place we should not assert our superiority.

This expression suggests that when you are in an environment or situation where you lack power, influence, or familiarity, it is better to remain humble and patient rather than asserting your status or ego. It is often used to advise people to wait for the right time and place to show their strength, similar to the concept of 'discretion is the better part of valor'.

An ulcer in the anus and the son-in-law as the doctor.

This proverb describes an extremely embarrassing or awkward situation where a problem is sensitive/private, but the person available to help is someone with whom one must maintain dignity and distance (like a son-in-law in Indian culture). It is used to refer to dilemmas where seeking help causes more shame than the problem itself.

In an unfavorable place, even a yam will not grow.

This proverb suggests that if the environment, timing, or circumstances are not conducive, even the most resilient or easiest tasks will fail to yield results. It is used to emphasize that success depends heavily on being in the right place or situation.

An ulcer on the buttock and the maternal uncle is the doctor; an ulcer on the private part and the father-in-law is the doctor.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme embarrassment and awkwardness where one is forced to discuss or show a private, shameful problem to a relative with whom such intimacy is culturally inappropriate or taboo. It is used to highlight situations involving great hesitation and the inability to seek help due to the delicate nature of the relationship.

One should not claim superiority in an unsuitable place.

This expression is used to advise humility and caution when one is in an unfavorable environment or among strangers where their status or power doesn't hold weight. It suggests that being modest in such situations is a sign of wisdom, rather than a lack of strength.

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.