అత్తతనంలో మంచితనం, ఆడంగిలో మగతనం ఉంటాయా?

attatanamlo manchitanam, adangilo magatanam untaya?

Translation

Is there goodness in mother-in-law-ship or masculinity in an effeminate person?

Meaning

A cynical proverb suggesting that certain inherent natures or roles are unlikely to change. It implies that just as an effeminate man lacks true masculinity, a mother-in-law (in the traditional stereotypical sense) is unlikely to show genuine kindness toward her daughter-in-law. It is used to express skepticism about someone acting against their established character or role.

Related Phrases

The goodness of a son-in-law is like pounding chaff; there is no rice to be found.

This proverb is used to suggest that relying on or over-praising certain people is futile. Just as pounding husks (chaff) yields no grain, expecting significant help or substance from certain individuals (traditionally used in a sarcastic context regarding a son-in-law's utility in a household) is a waste of effort. It represents a situation with no practical benefit or result.

The goodness of a son-in-law and rice from pounding husks do not exist.

This proverb is used to express that certain expectations are futile. Just as one cannot obtain rice by pounding empty husks, one should not expect a son-in-law to be entirely selfless or a permanent asset to the household, as he traditionally belongs to another family. It highlights the inherent limitations or disappointment in relying on something that lacks substance.

Woman's rule, a Tambaḷi's government. A Tambaḷi is a Śaiva priest of low origin, who wears the sacred thread, and endeavours to observe Brahminical customs.

This proverb is used to criticize or mock ineffective or disorganized leadership. It suggests that just as a temple priest (Tambali) is not traditionally seen as a ruling authority, certain types of management might be weak, fussy, or lack real power, leading to chaos or poor results.

While there is the royalty (status) of stealing, why have the lowliness of begging?

This is a satirical or ironic proverb used to describe a person's skewed sense of pride. It refers to someone who considers stealing to be a more dignified or 'brave' act than the perceived humiliation of begging for help or working humble jobs. It is often used to criticize those who choose dishonest paths over honest, albeit modest, living.

When I have such power of stealing shall I submit to the injustice of asking ? Said by a thief.

This is a sarcastic or cynical proverb used to describe a person with a twisted sense of pride or a 'criminal' ego. It suggests that the person considers begging or asking for help to be more humiliating or 'unjust' than the act of stealing. It is used to mock someone who prefers dishonest means over humble requests.

The authority of a woman is like the lordship of a Tamballa man.

This proverb is used to criticize situations where people who are perceived as weak or unsuitable for leadership are given authority, suggesting that such leadership will be ineffective or lack real power. Historically, 'Tamballa' referred to a specific community of temple priests who were often seen as non-assertive, and this expression draws a parallel between their perceived nature and the leadership of women (reflecting traditional patriarchal views). It is used to mock a household or organization where the leadership is seen as weak or disorderly.

He wrote words in the air and tied a bundle in the water

This expression refers to someone who makes impossible or empty promises that have no substance or reality. It describes actions that are futile, unreliable, or purely imaginary, much like the impossibility of writing on air or securing a bundle under water.

Clouds in the month of Margasira, rains in the month of Magha.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or proverb related to weather patterns. It suggests that if clouds appear during the lunar month of Margasira (usually occurring in Nov-Dec), it is a precursor to rainfall in the month of Magha (Jan-Feb). It is used to describe predictable seasonal cycles or the relationship between specific weather signs and their eventual outcomes.

Beauty without the status of a married woman, is it for begging?

This proverb is used to emphasize that certain qualities or assets are useless if they don't serve their primary purpose or lack essential dignity. In traditional context, 'Aidavathanam' refers to the status of a sumangali (married woman). The saying suggests that beauty without the grace of a settled, meaningful life is of no value, similar to how great talent is wasted without character or opportunity.

If my husband had masculinity, why would I need the neighbor's company?

This is a bold proverb used to describe a situation where someone seeks external help or a substitute only because the person who is supposed to be responsible or capable is failing to fulfill their duty. It highlights that if one's own resources or people were effective, there would be no need to depend on outsiders.