భర్తవర్తనంబె సతికి గ్రాహ్యంబు
bhartavartanambe satiki grahyambu
The conduct of the husband is what the wife should follow.
This expression, often found in classical Telugu literature (like the Ramayana), signifies that a devoted wife follows the path, values, and lifestyle of her husband. In a modern context, it refers to the traditional idea of harmony in marriage where a wife supports and aligns with her husband's life choices.
Related Phrases
నీతివర్తనమును, కీర్తి దాని క్రీనీడవలె వెన్నాడుచుండును
nitivartanamunu, kirti dani krinidavale vennaduchundunu
Fame follows righteous conduct like its shadow.
This expression emphasizes that when a person lives a life of integrity and follows ethical principles (Neeti), fame and reputation (Keerthi) will naturally follow them without any extra effort, just as a shadow follows an object. It is used to teach that one should focus on their character rather than chasing popularity.
జనవాక్యం కర్తవ్యం
janavakyam kartavyam
The people's voice is the duty.
This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Vox Populi, Vox Dei'. It implies that the will of the people or the collective opinion of the public should be considered as a mandate or a call to action. It is often used in political or social contexts to suggest that leaders or individuals must respect and act upon what the majority of people are saying.
పరసతి గమనంబు ప్రత్యక్ష నరకంబు
parasati gamanambu pratyaksha narakambu
Pursuing another's wife is hell on earth.
This expression is used to convey that adultery or having an illicit relationship with another person's spouse leads to immediate misery, social disgrace, and moral downfall, equating the consequences to experiencing hell while still alive.
భర్త బడాయి భార్య మీదనే
bharta badayi bharya midane
A husband's boasting is only over his wife
This expression is used to describe someone who acts arrogant or powerful only towards those who are dependent on them or cannot retaliate, while being timid or insignificant in front of others. It highlights selective bravery or false pride shown within the safety of one's home.
ఆకాశ వర్తకుడు
akasha vartakudu
A trader in the air. A swindler. An impostor.
This expression is used to describe a person who makes big claims or lofty promises without any real substance or capital. It refers to someone who 'deals in thin air,' often used for people who exaggerate their business prospects or build 'castles in the air.'
దేవియున్న గృహము దేవార్చన గృహంబు.
deviyunna grihamu devarchana grihambu.
A house where a virtuous woman resides is a house of worship.
This expression highlights the importance of a woman in a household. It suggests that a home blessed with a virtuous, wise, and kind woman is equivalent to a temple or a place of divine prayer, emphasizing that her presence brings sanctity and prosperity to the family.
చావు కాలానికి సమర్త కట్నాలు
chavu kalaniki samarta katnalu
Gifts for a puberty ceremony during a time of death.
This expression is used to describe an extremely inappropriate or ill-timed action. It highlights the absurdity of celebrating a joyful milestone or worrying about trivial formalities when a major tragedy or crisis is occurring. It is used when someone brings up irrelevant or festive matters at a somber and critical moment.
తాడు తెంచడానికి ముహూర్తం పెట్టినట్లు
tadu tenchadaniki muhurtam pettinatlu
Like fixing an auspicious time to break the thread.
This expression is used to describe someone who goes to extreme lengths or follows formal procedures to do something harmful, destructive, or unethical. 'Tadu' (thread) refers to the 'Mangalsutra' in this context, and 'breaking the thread' signifies ending a marriage/widowhood. It highlights the absurdity of being meticulous about rituals while performing an act of ruin.
వాడవదినెకేల వావి వర్తనములు?
vadavadinekela vavi vartanamulu?
What has a harlot to do with degrees of relationship, and good manners ? Vāvi signifies those degrees of relationship within which cohabitation is incest.
This proverb is used to criticize those who unnecessarily interfere in others' matters or give unsolicited advice when they have no real connection or authority. It implies that a distant acquaintance (neighborhood sister-in-law) shouldn't be concerned with the internal values or behavior of a family they aren't part of.
విత్తనంబు మొదటి వృక్షంబునకు నెంత
vittanambu modati vrikshambunaku nenta
How small is the seed compared to the first tree?
This expression refers to the humble beginnings of something that eventually becomes grand or vast. It is used to signify that great results often arise from very small origins, emphasizing that size at the start does not determine final potential.