అత్త మంచీ, వేము తీపూ లేదు.

atta manchi, vemu tipu ledu.

Translation

There is no goodness in a mother-in-law nor sweetness in Margosa trees.

Meaning

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or people that are inherently difficult or bitter by nature. Just as the neem leaf is naturally bitter and cannot be made sweet, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally fraught with friction and cannot be expected to be perfectly smooth or 'sweet'.

Notes

Vēmu is the Azadirachta Indica. She is well married who has neither mother-in-law nor sister-in-law. (Spanish.)*

Related Phrases

There is no softness in a sword, and no goodness in a mother-in-law.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe situations where something is inherently harsh or impossible to find. Just as a blade cannot be soft by its very nature, the proverb suggestively reflects the stereotypical historical tension in households where a mother-in-law is never satisfied with her daughter-in-law, no matter how hard she tries.

No house to stay in, no bed to lie on.

This expression describes a state of absolute poverty or homelessness. It is used to refer to someone who possesses no assets, shelter, or basic comforts, indicating a complete lack of resources.

There is no such thing as a good mother-in-law or a sweet neem tree.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain things are inherently difficult or bitter by nature. Just as the neem tree is known for its bitterness, the mother-in-law relationship was historically viewed as naturally contentious or stern in traditional households. It is used to describe situations where a positive outcome or a pleasant personality is considered impossible due to the inherent nature of the person or role.

There is no softness in a sword, nor goodness in a mother-in- law.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

13 ( 97 )

There is no point in worrying about what is past.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

Everything is only for our good.

Normally used in comforting someone, the statement indicates that acceptance of what befalls one is a positive attitude. Worrying about what is unavoidable serves no purpose. One should realize what will be, will be.

The pedigree of a family numbering three hundred branches cannot be traced nor can a shoe be made to fit a mained foot. A hopeless task.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social observations. The first part suggests that a large, united community (specifically the Munnuru Kapu) is resilient and protected from threats. The second part is a metaphorical observation that some things are impractical or impossible, such as fitting a sandal on a leg without a foot. It is used to describe inherent strengths or undeniable, sometimes harsh, realities.

There is no sweetness in Neem, and there is no love in being a mother-in-law

A traditional proverb used to describe the historically difficult or stern relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. It suggests that just as bitterness is inherent to Neem leaves, a mother-in-law's nature is traditionally seen as strict or lacking affection towards the daughter-in-law.

I have cut many boils, but there was never such pain as in my own. Said by a Surgeon. To cut into another man's ear is like cutting into a felt hat. (Danish.) He laughs at scars who never felt a wound, (German.)

This proverb describes a hypocritical or subjective attitude where a person treats others harshly or performs painful tasks on others (like a doctor or a critic) but becomes overly sensitive or self-pitying when they face the same situation. It highlights how people often lack empathy until they experience pain themselves, or how they perceive their own suffering as unique and more significant than that of others.

There is no sweetness in a neem tree within a well.

This proverb suggests that things do not change their inherent nature simply because of their environment. Just as a neem tree remains bitter even if it grows near a source of fresh water like a well, a person's core character or the fundamental quality of a thing remains unchanged regardless of external circumstances.