అత్త ఆరోనెలలో పట్టిన దయ్యం

atta aronelalo pattina dayyam

Translation

A mother-in-law is like a ghost that possessed one in the sixth month.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a long-standing, persistent problem or a difficult relationship that is hard to get rid of. It suggests that just as a ghost possessing someone during pregnancy (sixth month) causes lifelong trouble or follows them for a long time, certain burdens or people (metaphorically the mother-in-law in traditional contexts) become an inseparable and taxing part of one's life.

Related Phrases

A known devil is better than an unknown devil.

This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with a person or situation that is familiar, even if it is difficult or unpleasant, rather than facing something completely new and unpredictable. It is used when choosing between a known risk and an uncertain one.

Like ghosts catching you at the very place you went to hide.

This proverb describes a situation where a person tries to escape a problem or seek safety, but ends up facing an even bigger danger or the exact same problem they were running from. It is similar to the English expression 'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

Whatever one touches/holds, it is as if a ghost has possessed it.

This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extremes or becomes obsessively persistent in whatever task they undertake. It can also refer to someone who consistently encounters bad luck or complications in every endeavor they start, as if it were cursed or jinxed.

The devils caught him in the place he went to hide in. One ill calls another. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, while trying to escape or hide from a small problem or danger, ends up encountering a much bigger or more terrifying trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

No interest this month, and no principal next month.

This expression is used to describe a situation of total loss or a deceptive deal where one ends up losing everything. It highlights a progression from losing the profit (interest) to eventually losing the entire capital (principal). It is often used to mock poor business decisions or to warn against untrustworthy people who fail to honor any part of an agreement.

A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

When the old widow babbles in her sleep, it is as if the new widow is possessed by a ghost.

This proverb describes a situation where an experienced person says something casually or out of habit, but an inexperienced or fearful person takes it too seriously and reacts with unnecessary panic. It highlights how fear and lack of experience can lead one to misinterpret a trivial situation as a major crisis.

He came as a relative and caught hold like a ghost.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone enters your life as a friend or guest but ends up becoming a major nuisance, burden, or an inescapable problem that is difficult to get rid of.

When the daughter-in-law wore her deceased mother-in-law's saree because she died, the mother-in-law returned as a ghost to haunt her.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to benefit from another person's misfortune or death, only to find that the benefit brings unforeseen troubles or burdens. It highlights that ill-gotten gains or taking advantage of a situation can lead to haunting consequences.

One should hit with a slipper as soon as the ghost possesses.

This expression suggests that a problem or a negative behavior should be dealt with immediately and firmly the moment it arises. It emphasizes that if you don't take corrective action early, the issue may escalate and become harder to control later. It is used in contexts regarding discipline or crisis management.