అత్తలేనమ్మ ఉత్తమురాలు, మామలేనమ్మ మరీభాగ్యశాలి.
attalenamma uttamuralu, mamalenamma maribhagyashali.
The woman without a mother-in-law is the best woman; the woman without a father-in-law is even more fortunate.
This is a humorous and sarcastic proverb reflecting the traditional domestic tensions in joint families. It suggests that a daughter-in-law feels most peaceful and free when she is not under the supervision or restrictions of her in-laws, particularly the mother-in-law who historically held authority over the household.
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.
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.
చింత లేనమ్మ సంతలో నిద్రపోయిందట
chinta lenamma santalo nidrapoyindata
The woman with no worries slept in the marketplace.
This proverb describes a state of absolute peace of mind. When a person is free from anxieties, burdens, or guilt, they can sleep soundly anywhere, even in a noisy and chaotic environment like a busy marketplace. It is used to highlight that mental peace is the key to rest.
ఇల్లులేనమ్మ హీనము చూడు మగడులేనమ్మ మానము చూడు
illulenamma hinamu chudu magadulenamma manamu chudu
Look at the wretchedness of a woman without a house; look at the loss of dignity of a woman without a husband.
This traditional proverb reflects historical social perspectives where a house and a husband were considered the primary sources of security, status, and protection for a woman. It is used to describe how the lack of basic shelter or social support leads to vulnerability and loss of social standing.
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.
దంచలేనమ్మ ఊది ఊది చూచిందట
danchalenamma udi udi chuchindata
The woman who couldn't pound (grain) just kept blowing on it.
This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the skill or will to complete a difficult task and instead makes excuses or performs unnecessary, superficial actions to appear busy or to delay the work. It is similar to the English idea of 'making a show of effort' while avoiding the actual labor.
ఉన్నమ్మ ఉన్నమ్మకే పెట్టె, లేనమ్మా ఉన్నమ్మకే పెట్టె
unnamma unnammake pette, lenamma unnammake pette
The woman who has gives to the woman who has; the woman who has not also gives to the woman who has.
This proverb describes a social irony where resources or gifts tend to flow towards those who are already wealthy or powerful, rather than to those in need. It highlights that everyone seeks to please the rich, while the poor are often ignored or even forced to give up what little they have to those above them.
ఆడలేక మద్దెల ఓడన్నట్లు
adaleka maddela odannatlu
Like a woman who cannot dance saying the drum is crooked.
This proverb is used to describe a person who blames their tools, environment, or other people for their own lack of skill or failure. It is equivalent to the English idiom 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'
బావలేని కోడలు బహుభాగ్యశాలి, మరిది లేని కోడలు మరీ మంచిది
bavaleni kodalu bahubhagyashali, maridi leni kodalu mari manchidi
A daughter-in-law without an elder brother-in-law is very lucky; a daughter-in-law without a younger brother-in-law is even better.
This traditional proverb reflects historical family dynamics in joint households. It suggests that a daughter-in-law's life is easier and freer from social restrictions or additional household responsibilities when there are fewer male siblings-in-law to cater to or be wary of, implying that a smaller family circle leads to more peace for the bride.
చేయలేనమ్మకు చేష్టలు మెండు, వండలేనమ్మకు వగపులు మెండు.
cheyalenammaku cheshtalu mendu, vandalenammaku vagapulu mendu.
A woman who cannot work has many antics; a woman who cannot cook has many grievances.
This proverb describes people who make excuses or create drama to avoid their responsibilities. It is used to mock those who lack skill or willingness to work but pretend to be busy or complain about external factors to hide their incompetence.