అత్తమిత్తి, ఏరాలు కత్తి.

attamitti, eralu katti.

Translation

Mother-in-law is a debt collector, sister-in-law is a knife.

Meaning

This proverb describes the difficult relationships a woman may face in her marital home. It suggests that while the mother-in-law constantly nags or demands like a moneylender (mitti), the sister-in-law (specifically the husband's brother's wife) can be sharp, cutting, or hostile like a knife. It is used to express the domestic challenges and lack of peace in a joint family setting.

Related Phrases

Family life is a secret, illness is a public display.

This proverb suggests that family matters and internal household affairs should be kept private (guutu) to maintain dignity, whereas an illness (rogam) or physical ailment cannot be hidden and eventually becomes known to everyone. It is used to advise someone to keep domestic issues within the four walls of the house.

Like tying heavy wooden blocks to the necks of straying cattle.

This expression is used when someone is restricted or strictly monitored because of their past misbehavior or tendency to escape responsibilities. Just as heavy blocks (gudikattalu) prevent cattle from running away or jumping fences, this refers to imposing necessary constraints on a person who cannot be trusted to act disciplined on their own.

Tying beads round an unborn child.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone makes elaborate plans or preparations for something that has not yet happened or may never happen. It is similar to the English expression 'Counting your chickens before they hatch.'

Don't reckon your eggs before they are laid. ( Latin. )*

Miduthambattu is the death of farmers

This proverb refers to Miduthambattu, a character known for pseudo-astrology or false predictions. It is used to describe how false promises, bad advice, or unreliable seasonal predictions can lead to the financial ruin and ultimate downfall of hardworking farmers.

Building castles in the air

This expression refers to creating unrealistic plans or daydreams that have no solid foundation. It is used to describe someone who is being impractical or overly idealistic about the future without taking any concrete action.

A golden knife. Said of something of intrinsic value but of no utility.

This expression is used to describe something that is beautiful or attractive but nonetheless harmful or dangerous. Just because a knife is made of gold, it doesn't mean it won't cut; it implies that one should not be deceived by outward elegance when the inherent nature is destructive.

An iron sickle for the home, a golden knife for the neighbors.

This expression is used to describe a person who is stingy, harsh, or negligent toward their own family and household, while being overly generous, helpful, or displaying a false sense of grandeur to outsiders and neighbors.

A sharpened knife and a woman in captivity.

This expression describes items or individuals that are in their most effective or dangerous state. Just as a knife is most useful when sharpened (tari), a person (historically used in the context of a captive woman or 'kutthi' meaning a young woman/slave) is most vulnerable or completely under someone's control. In modern usage, it highlights the peak state of readiness or the absolute influence one holds over something.

When a grain of rice fell on his foot, he started with conceit. It is only when a man has plenty to eat that he lets a grain fall.

This expression is used to describe someone who overreacts or creates a huge fuss over a very trivial, insignificant issue. It highlights the behavior of being overly sensitive or dramatic about minor inconveniences.

A sword by the side [ on a bed ].

This expression refers to a hidden enemy or a traitor who is very close to you, posing a constant, immediate threat while pretending to be an ally. It is used to describe someone trustworthy who could betray you at any moment.