అత్తా ఒకరింటి కోడలే
atta okarinti kodale
The mother-in-law was herself once a daughter-in-law. The mother-in-law forgets that she was a daughter-in-law. (Spanish.)
This proverb is used to remind people in positions of power or authority to be empathetic toward their subordinates. It specifically highlights that every mother-in-law once experienced the struggles of being a daughter-in-law, suggesting she should treat her own daughter-in-law with kindness and understanding based on her own past experiences.
Related Phrases
అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలు లేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు
attaleni kodalu uttamuralu, kodalu leni atta gunavanturalu
A daughter-in-law without a mother-in-law is the best, and a mother-in-law without a daughter-in-law is of great character.
This proverb is used sarcastically to highlight the typical friction in the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. It suggests that people appear virtuous or easy-going only when there is no one around to challenge them or create conflict. It implies that their 'goodness' is untested rather than inherent.
మామ ఒక ఇంటి అల్లుడే, అత్త ఒక ఇంటి కోడలే
mama oka inti allude, atta oka inti kodale
A father-in-law was once a son-in-law in another house, and a mother-in-law was once a daughter-in-law in another house.
This proverb is used to remind people in positions of authority or seniority to be empathetic and humble. It emphasizes that everyone starts from a subordinate position and has faced similar struggles, so one should treat their juniors or family members with the same kindness they once wished for themselves.
అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలులేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు.
attaleni kodalu uttamuralu, kodaluleni atta gunavanturalu.
Where there is no mother-in-law, the daughter-in-law is per- fect; where there is no daughter-in-law, the mother-in-law is good tempered. As long I was a daughter-in-law I never had a good mother-in-law, and as long as I was a mother-in-law I never had a good daughter-in-law. (Spanish.)
This proverb is a satirical take on the stereotypical conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. It suggests that they only seem perfect or virtuous when they don't have to interact or deal with each other, implying that friction is inevitable in their relationship.
* Aquella es bien casada, que no tiene suegra ni cuñada. † En cuanto fue suera, nunca tuvo buena suegra, y en cuanto fue suegra, nunca tuvo buena suera.
మామ ఒక ఇంటి అల్లుడే, అత్త ఒక ఇంటి కోడలే
mama oka inti allude, atta oka inti kodale
The father-in-law is a son-in-law of another house, and the mother-in-law is a daughter-in-law of another house.
This proverb highlights the cyclical nature of family roles and the importance of empathy. It reminds elders (the mother-in-law and father-in-law) that they once held the same subordinate or new roles as their children-in-law. It is used to suggest that one should treat their daughter-in-law or son-in-law with kindness and understanding, remembering their own past experiences in those positions.
అత్తా ఒక ఇంటి కోడలే, మామా ఒక ఇంటి అల్లుడే
atta oka inti kodale, mama oka inti allude
The mother-in-law was once a daughter-in-law of a house, and the father-in-law was once a son-in-law of a house.
This proverb highlights that everyone in a position of authority once held a subordinate role. It is used to remind people (especially in-laws) to be empathetic and treat others with kindness, remembering that they were once in the same shoes. It emphasizes that life is a cycle and experiences are shared across generations.
ఇంటింటికీ ఒక మట్టిపొయ్యి అయితే, మా ఇంట మరీ ఒకటి.
intintiki oka mattipoyyi ayite, ma inta mari okati.
Every house has an earthen fire-place, my house is still worse off. Acknowledging one's failings.
This proverb is used to convey that everyone has their own set of problems or flaws, and one's own situation is no exception—or perhaps even slightly more complicated. It highlights the universality of human struggles and domestic issues, suggesting that no household is perfectly free from trouble.
అత్త ఏలిన కోడలు, చిత్తపట్టిన వరి.
atta elina kodalu, chittapattina vari.
The daughter-in-law ruled by the mother-in-law, and the paddy crop affected by the Chitta rain.
This proverb highlights things that yield excellent results. Just as paddy grows lush and heavy-grained when it rains during the Chitta star period, a daughter-in-law who is disciplined and guided by an experienced mother-in-law becomes well-versed in managing a household and conducting herself properly.
అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలు లేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు
attaleni kodalu uttamuralu, kodalu leni atta gunavanturalu
A daughter-in-law without a mother-in-law is the best; a mother-in-law without a daughter-in-law is of noble character.
This proverb sarcastically points out that it is easy for people to appear perfect or virtuous when there is no one around to challenge them or reveal their flaws. It highlights that conflict often arises in relationships (specifically between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law), and the absence of the 'opposing' party is what makes a person seem flawless.
కొడుకు బాగుండవలె, కోడలు ముండ మొయ్యవలె.
koduku bagundavale, kodalu munda moyyavale.
The son must flourish, and the daughter-in-law must become a widow.
This proverb describes a paradoxical or impossible desire, highlighting human selfishness or hypocrisy. Since a woman can only become a widow if her husband (the son) dies, wishing for both simultaneously is a logical contradiction. It is used to mock people who want all the benefits for themselves without accepting the necessary consequences, or those who harbor ill will that would ultimately hurt their own interests.
కలిగినవారింటి కడగొట్టుకోడలు అయ్యేటంతకన్నా పేదవారింటి పెద్దకోడలు అయితే మేలు.
kaliginavarinti kadagottukodalu ayyetantakanna pedavarinti peddakodalu ayite melu.
Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.
This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.