అత్తలేని కోడలు ఉత్తమురాలు, కోడలులేని అత్త గుణవంతురాలు.

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.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two parties, who might usually be at odds or in a position of conflict, choose to stay quiet and maintain secrecy because both have their own weaknesses or are in vulnerable states. It implies that mutual vulnerability leads to a temporary, tactical silence to avoid further embarrassment or trouble.

This proverb describes a situation where two people who are supposed to help each other are both equally incompetent, lazy, or incapable. It is often used to mock a partnership or a household where no work gets done because neither party has the strength or will to perform their duties.

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.

This proverb describes a situation where a silent aggressor or the person who caused the harm goes unpunished or unnoticed, while the victim who cries out or complains is blamed and shamed for making noise. It is used to highlight unfair social judgment where the 'silent' troublemaker is favored over the 'loud' victim.

This proverb describes a domestic dynamic where one person (often the daughter-in-law) enjoys a relaxed or stylish lifestyle, while another person (the mother-in-law) is left with the stress, frustration, or the burden of managing things, often leading to constant complaining or yelling. It is used to highlight situations where one person's comfort causes another's irritation.

This proverb emphasizes that a family's prosperity, harmony, and reputation depend largely on the character and conduct of the woman of the house. It is used to highlight the importance of a spouse's virtues in ensuring a happy and successful life.

This proverb highlights how external circumstances or resources shape a person's reputation or character. In a house with fire (wealth/ready food), the daughter-in-law appears elegant (Chitrangi) as she has less labor, whereas in a house with a well, she is seen as hardworking because she must constantly draw water. It is used to describe how convenience or hardship dictates how others perceive one's abilities.

This proverb describes a situation where a victim who complains or reacts to an injury is blamed or vilified, while the person who actually caused the harm remains silent and is perceived as well-behaved. It is used to highlight unfair social judgment where silence is mistaken for goodness and expressing pain is seen as a lack of character.

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.