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.
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.
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.
లేవలేని అత్తకు వూపలేని కోడలు
levaleni attaku vupaleni kodalu
A bed-ridden mother-in-law and a lazy daughter-in-law. A useless couple.
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.
కుట్టిన తేలు గుణవంతురాలు, కూసినమ్మ కుక్క ముండ
kuttina telu gunavanturalu, kusinamma kukka munda
The scorpion which stung is a good tempered creature, the [ stung ] woman who bawled out is a wretched slut. A mischief maker often escapes blame.
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.
ఆలు గుణవంతురాలు అయితే, మేలు కలుగును
alu gunavanturalu ayite, melu kalugunu
If the wife is of good disposition, good will accrue.
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.
చిచ్చుగలవారి కోడలు చిత్రాంగి, బావిగలవారి కోడలు పనిమంతురాలు
chichchugalavari kodalu chitrangi, bavigalavari kodalu panimanturalu
The daughter-in-law of those who have fire is beautiful, the daughter-in-law of those who have a well is hardworking.
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.
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.
అత్త చస్తే కోడలు యేడ్చినట్టు.
atta chaste kodalu yedchinattu.
Like the daughter-in-law lamenting the death of her mother- in-law. Feigned sorrow. Crocodile tears.
This expression is used to describe someone showing fake grief or insincere sympathy. Historically, the relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in some households was seen as antagonistic; therefore, the daughter-in-law's crying is perceived as a mere formality or 'crocodile tears' rather than genuine sorrow.
కుట్టిన తేలు గుణవంతురాలు, కూసినమ్మ కుక్కముండ
kuttina telu gunavanturalu, kusinamma kukkamunda
The scorpion that stung is considered virtuous, while the woman who cried out is called a dog.
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.