అత్తా కోడలు అల్లీబిల్లీ, ఇరుగుపొరుగు ఇల్లామల్లి
atta kodalu allibilli, iruguporugu illamalli
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are intertwined, and the neighbors are everywhere.
This expression refers to the intricate and sometimes complicated relationships within a household and with the surrounding community. 'Allibilli' suggests a close or twisted bond between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, while the second part highlights how neighbors are constantly observing or involved in local affairs. It is often used to describe the social dynamics and gossip common in domestic life.
Related Phrases
ఊరంతా చల్లి, నీవెందుకే తల్లి
uranta challi, nivenduke talli
After sprinkling (the medicine/cure) on the whole village, why are you needed mother?
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers help or a solution after the problem has already been solved or after the time for action has passed. It highlights the irrelevance of a late remedy or redundant assistance.
ఇరుగు ఇంగలం పొరుగు మంగలం
irugu ingalam porugu mangalam
The neighbors are fire and the surroundings are soot (or bad omens).
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is surrounded by difficult or troublesome neighbors on all sides. It implies that no matter which way you turn, there is conflict or negativity, making it impossible to live in peace.
మాదిగ మల్లి, కంసాలి యెల్లి.
madiga malli, kamsali yelli.
Cobblers say "Again," goldsmiths say "Tomorrow." Dilatory in work.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.
ఇరుగు కాదు, పొరుగు కాదు, పెరుగు పోసిన గురిగె కాదు
irugu kadu, porugu kadu, perugu posina gurige kadu
It is not a neighbor, it is not a surrounding person, and it is not a pot filled with curd.
This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic expression used to describe something that seems familiar or close but is actually distinct. It is often used to refer to a mirror or a reflection, where the image looks like someone you know (a neighbor) or is contained in a vessel, but isn't actually that person or object.
ఇరుగు గుడ్డి, పొరుగు గుడ్డి, ఇంటి ఇల్లాలు గుడ్డి
irugu guddi, porugu guddi, inti illalu guddi
Neighbor is blind, the other neighbor is blind, and the lady of the house is also blind.
This expression is used to describe a situation where everyone involved lacks foresight, awareness, or common sense. It highlights a collective failure or ignorance where no one is capable of providing proper guidance or making a correct judgment.
పోరిన పొరుగు, రాచిన కుండలు మనవు
porina porugu, rachina kundalu manavu
[In] a quarrelsome neighbourhood there is no thriving, pots rubbing together will not last.
This proverb highlights that constant conflict or friction leads to destruction. Just as a clay pot wears down and breaks if it is constantly scraped, a neighborhood or relationship filled with constant bickering (poru) will eventually fall apart or become uninhabitable.
వాదులేక వల్లూరికి పోతున్నాను ఇరుగుపొరుగు నా సవతుల్లారా ఇల్లు భద్రం అన్నదట
vaduleka valluriki potunnanu iruguporugu na savatullara illu bhadram annadata
I am going to Valluru because there is no dispute; O neighborly co-wives, please take care of my house, she said.
This proverb describes a person who displays false confidence or ironic trust in their enemies or rivals. It is used to mock someone who entrusts their precious belongings or secrets to people who actually wish them harm (like co-wives in a traditional context), or someone who tries to sound superior while being in a vulnerable position.
మాటలకు మల్లి, పనికి యెల్లి
matalaku malli, paniki yelli
He talks like Malli and works like Yelli. Malli and Yelli are women's names. The former means ' again' the latter ' tomorrow.' Applied to a man who is great in words, but slow in action. Say well, and do well end with one letter ; Say well is good, but do well is better.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks a lot and makes big promises but is completely absent or lazy when it is actually time to do the work. It contrasts a talkative nature with a lack of productivity.
అర్థంకాని మాట అల్లిబిల్లి మాట
arthankani mata allibilli mata
Words that are not understood are twisted/entwined words.
This expression is used to describe speech or language that is confusing, convoluted, or lacks clarity. It refers to someone talking in circles or using 'gibberish' that makes no sense to the listener.
ఇరుగును చూచి పొరుగు వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్లు
irugunu chuchi porugu vata pettukunnatlu
Like the neighbor branding themselves after seeing the other neighbor.
This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others without considering one's own capacity, necessity, or circumstances. It is typically used when someone tries to copy another person's lifestyle or actions out of envy or competition, only to end up hurting themselves.