అయ్య కదురువలె, అమ్మ కుదురువలె
ayya kaduruvale, amma kuduruvale
The father is like a spindle, the mother is like a base-ring.
This expression describes a household where the father is restless, thin, or constantly moving like a spindle (kaduru), while the mother is steady, stout, or sedentary like a pot-rest/base-ring (kuduru). It is used to remark on the contrasting physical appearances or temperaments of a husband and wife.
Related Phrases
అయ్య కదురువలె, అమ్మ కుదురువలె.
ayya kaduruvale, amma kuduruvale.
The husband like a spindle, the wife like a mortar.
This proverb describes a perfect match or a pair of people who are equally suited to one another, often in a humorous or satirical way. It implies that both the husband and wife are identical in their nature, habits, or appearances, often suggesting they are 'made for each other' in their quirks.
Kuduru is the upper and larger part of a stone mortar.
మదురు గోడ మడియైనా కావలె, మాటకారి మగడైనా కావలె.
maduru goda madiyaina kavale, matakari magadaina kavale.
Either a backyard garden wall is needed, or a husband who is a smooth talker is needed.
This proverb highlights the necessity of protection or advocacy. Just as a wall protects a crop (madi) from intruders or animals, a clever or articulate husband protects his family from being taken advantage of by society. It is used to suggest that one needs either physical security or a clever person to handle external worldly affairs effectively.
తుమ్మ దుడ్డువలె, కాపు కదురువలె.
tumma dudduvale, kapu kaduruvale.
The acacia tree like a heavy stick, the farmer like a spindle.
This proverb describes a situation where things are contrary to their ideal state or nature. Just as a piece of wood from an acacia tree (known for being thorny and crooked) is expected to be a heavy club, and a farmer (expected to be sturdy) looks thin like a spinning spindle, it refers to something being misshapen, ill-suited, or physically weakened.
చేనుకుదురు, ఆట కుదురు ఉండాలి.
chenukuduru, ata kuduru undali.
There should be stability in the field and stability in the play.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of having a solid foundation and focus in both work (represented by the field/farming) and leisure or external activities (represented by play). It suggests that to be successful, one must ensure their livelihood is secure and their actions are disciplined and steady.
పాడి దాచవలె, పంట పొగడవలె
padi dachavale, panta pogadavale
Milk production should be kept secret, while the crop should be praised.
This proverb suggests that one should be humble and discreet about their steady income or wealth (metaphorically the milk from cattle), while expressing pride and gratitude for their hard-earned achievements and successes (the harvest/crop). It emphasizes the wisdom in not flaunting daily prosperity to avoid jealousy, but celebrating general success.
కుడుము దాచితే, అమ్మా కుడుములు వండమన్నట్లు
kudumu dachite, amma kudumulu vandamannatlu
Like hiding a steamed dumpling and asking mother to cook more steamed dumplings.
This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be innocent or needy while already possessing or hiding the very thing they are asking for. It is used to mock hypocritical behavior or someone who is being cunning by feigning ignorance to gain more.
చిన్నమూ కావలె, చిదరా కావలె, మేలిమీ కావలె, మెడ తిరగవలె.
chinnamu kavale, chidara kavale, melimi kavale, meda tiragavale.
The ornament must be one Chinnam or less in weight, of pure gold, and must go round the neck. A Chinnam is a weight equal to the ninth part of a pagoda ( No. 614 ). Wishing to get a good thing and to pay little for it.
This proverb describes a person who is extremely greedy and wants everything for themselves. It refers to someone who wants the big profits (pure gold), the small gains (loose change), and also wants to show off their wealth (turning the neck to display heavy jewelry). It is used to mock people who are never satisfied and try to grab every possible benefit in a situation.
తిండికి ముందుండాలి, పనికి వెనక ఉండాలి
tindiki mundundali, paniki venaka undali
Be first for food and last for work.
This humorous proverb describes a person who is lazy and opportunistic. It is used to mock someone who shows great enthusiasm for benefits (like eating) but avoids responsibility or hard labor.
ధీరుడయినా కావలె, దీనుడయినా కావలె.
dhirudayina kavale, dinudayina kavale.
You must get a hero or a beggar [ for a husband ].
This proverb suggests that in certain situations, success or survival is achieved either through immense courage and strength or through complete humility and submission. It implies that being in an indecisive middle ground is ineffective; one must choose to either fight boldly or appeal for mercy.
ఆలు కుదురైతే చేను కుదురు
alu kuduraite chenu kuduru
If the wife is steady, the farm is steady.
This proverb emphasizes the central role of a woman in managing a household and its prosperity. It means that if a wife is disciplined, hardworking, and manages the home well, the family's assets and livelihood (symbolized by the 'farm') will also be stable and successful.