అత్తా కోడళ్ళ మాట ఆనోటా ఈనోటా

atta kodalla mata anota inota

Translation

The talk between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law travels from one mouth to another.

Meaning

This proverb describes how private family matters or domestic conflicts, particularly those between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, quickly become public gossip. It is used to suggest that secrets or disputes within a household do not stay hidden for long and eventually spread throughout the neighborhood or community.

Related Phrases

When a daughter-in-law asked her mother-in-law if she should give birth to a son, the mother-in-law replied, 'Would I ever say no?'

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for permission or proposes something that is obviously beneficial or desirable to the listener. It highlights a rhetorical question where the answer is an emphatic 'yes' because the outcome favors everyone involved.

A lie never comes from Harishchandra's mouth, and a truth never comes from mine.

This is a self-deprecating or ironic expression used to describe a chronic liar. King Harishchandra is legendary for his absolute commitment to truth; by contrasting oneself with him, the speaker humorously or cynically admits that they are incapable of telling the truth, just as Harishchandra was incapable of lying.

Big words for a small mouth

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone (often a younger person or someone in a subordinate position) speaks in a manner that is overly ambitious, arrogant, or beyond their age and status. It is often used as a mild rebuke or a way to highlight that someone is talking beyond their experience or authority.

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.

When asked 'What's the status, Kota?', he replied 'The same old game'.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or a person that never changes despite the passage of time or changing circumstances. It signifies stagnation, a lack of progress, or someone sticking to their old, often repetitive or unproductive ways.

Religious marks on the forehead, but foul language in the mouth.

This expression describes a person who puts on an outward show of piety or righteousness while possessing a vulgar or malicious character. It is used to call out hypocrisy where one's external appearance or religious devotion contradicts their actual behavior and speech.

A lie never comes from Harishchandra's mouth, and a truth never comes from mine

This is a humorous and self-deprecating expression used by someone to admit that they are a chronic liar. It references King Harishchandra, a legendary figure in Indian mythology known for his unwavering commitment to the truth, and contrasts his integrity with the speaker's own habit of constant lying.

No bran for one's own mouth, but sugar for a concubine's mouth.

This proverb describes a person who neglects the basic needs of themselves or their family while squandering resources on unworthy or external interests. It is used to criticize someone who lives in poverty or debt but acts extravagantly to impress others, especially in bad company.

A lie never came out of the mouth of Hariśchandra, truth never comes out of my mouth.

This is a humorous and self-deprecating expression used when someone is being brutally honest about their own habit of lying or exaggeration. It contrasts the legendary King Harishchandra, who was famous for never speaking a lie, with the speaker's own character. It is often used sarcastically to admit that one is not as virtuous as they should be.

Said of an audacious liar.

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.