అత్తను కొడితే కోడలు ఏడ్చినట్లు

attanu kodite kodalu edchinatlu

Translation

Like the daughter-in-law crying when the mother-in-law is beaten.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone feigns sympathy or performs a fake reaction out of obligation or fear, rather than genuine emotion. It refers to hypocritical behavior where a person pretends to be upset about something that actually benefits them or that they are secretly indifferent to, similar to 'crocodile tears'.

Related Phrases

He said, 'You hit me, fine, but try hitting my brother-in-law and see what happens.'

This expression is used to mock someone who, after being defeated or intimidated, tries to act tough by bragging about the strength of their relatives or associates. It highlights cowardice and the tendency to take borrowed pride when one cannot defend themselves.

If the daughter-in-law who made her mother-in-law cry becomes a mother-in-law herself, it is quite a sight.

This proverb is used to describe poetic justice or karma. It suggests that someone who once troubled their superiors will eventually find themselves in that same position of responsibility, only to be treated the same way by their subordinates. It highlights that life is a cycle and one will eventually experience the consequences of their past behavior when roles are reversed.

Like grinding mountains into powder

This expression is used to describe a person who possesses extraordinary strength, capability, or determination. It characterizes someone who can achieve seemingly impossible tasks or overcome massive obstacles with great ease or force.

It's like saying, 'You hit me, that's fine, but let's see you try to hit my brother-in-law'

This expression is used to describe someone who, when bullied or defeated, tries to hide their weakness or save face by challenging the opponent to take on someone stronger. It reflects a hollow threat or a desperate attempt to appear tough by relying on someone else's strength instead of one's own.

If a daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son, would any mother-in-law say no?

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally beneficial or highly desired. It implies that no one in their right mind would refuse a proposal that brings mutual profit or happiness. It is often used when a deal or suggestion is so good that acceptance is a foregone conclusion.

It is not about the husband's beating, but the joy that the nasal mucus is gone.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone tries to find a trivial or absurd silver lining in a bad or humiliating situation. It points out the irony of ignoring a major problem (being beaten) while focusing on a minor, irrelevant benefit (clearing a stuffy nose).

Like killing crows to feed eagles

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone takes from the poor or weak to give to the rich or powerful. It highlights an act of injustice or a futile redistribution of resources that benefits those who are already strong at the expense of those who are vulnerable.

Can the one who hit the daughter-in-law not hit the mother-in-law?

This expression means that a person who is capable of committing a minor offense or mistreating a specific person is also capable of committing a bigger offense or attacking someone in a higher position. It is used to warn that once a person crosses a boundary of decency or law, no one is safe from their behavior.

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.

If you abuse—anger; if you beat—pain.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive or lacks resilience. It highlights that they react negatively to even the smallest forms of criticism or physical hardship. It can also be used to point out obvious cause-and-effect reactions in human emotions and physical sensations.