బావలేని కోడలు బహుభాగ్యశాలి, మరిది లేని కోడలు మరీ మంచిది
bavaleni kodalu bahubhagyashali, maridi leni kodalu mari manchidi
A daughter-in-law without an elder brother-in-law is very lucky; a daughter-in-law without a younger brother-in-law is even better.
This traditional proverb reflects historical family dynamics in joint households. It suggests that a daughter-in-law's life is easier and freer from social restrictions or additional household responsibilities when there are fewer male siblings-in-law to cater to or be wary of, implying that a smaller family circle leads to more peace for the bride.
Related Phrases
నోరు మంచిదయితే ఊరు మంచిదవుతుంది
noru manchidayite uru manchidavutundi
If your words are good, the world will be good to you.
This expression emphasizes that if you speak politely and treat others with respect, the people around you will respond with kindness and support. It is used to teach that one's social environment is often a reflection of their own behavior and speech.
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.
ఆశలేని కూటికి ఆకలి లేదు
ashaleni kutiki akali ledu
There is no appetite for food unhoped for.
This expression suggests that if you have no interest or hope in obtaining something, you won't feel the need or 'hunger' for it. It is used to describe a state of indifference or detachment, where the lack of expectation leads to a lack of desire.
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.
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.
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.
ముడ్డి ముఖము లేని బిడ్డ, మొదలు లేని పాట.
muddi mukhamu leni bidda, modalu leni pata.
A child without face or posteriors, a song without beginning.
This expression is used to describe something that lacks structure, logic, or a clear purpose. It refers to a situation, story, or task that is disorganized, incoherent, and makes no sense from the start to the end.
కొడుకు మిన్న కోడలు సన్న
koduku minna kodalu sanna
The son is great, but the daughter-in-law is thin (small)
This proverb is used to describe a biased attitude where parents overlook their own son's faults or give him excessive credit while being overly critical, dismissive, or demanding toward the daughter-in-law. It highlights the unequal treatment and double standards often found in family dynamics.