చావటానికి కాయటానికి అత్తకు అధికారం గానీ కోడలికేముంది?

chavataniki kayataniki attaku adhikaram gani kodalikemundi?

Translation

The power to decide whether to live or die lies with the mother-in-law, what does the daughter-in-law have?

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where one person has absolute authority over another's life or decisions. It is used to highlight a total lack of autonomy for a subordinate, or when someone is being excessively bossy and controlling even the most fundamental aspects of another's existence.

Related Phrases

Can there ever be a reconciliation between a Satani and a Jangam?

This proverb is used to describe two individuals or groups who are fundamentally incompatible or have a long-standing, irreconcilable rivalry. Historically, Satanis (Vaishnavites) and Jangams (Shaivites) held opposing religious views, making harmony between them unlikely. It is applied to situations where a peaceful agreement is impossible due to inherent differences.

The first one doesn't have a husband, but a wedding is being planned for the last one.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where basic or primary needs are ignored, yet secondary or grand plans are being made. It highlights the irony of neglecting the most important task while focusing on something less urgent or impossible given the current circumstances.

Only when it reaches the proper form/rhythm does it enter the stage.

This expression is used to emphasize that one should only present or launch something once it has achieved the necessary quality, preparation, or readiness. It highlights the importance of refinement before public display or action.

If one goes by hesitation or politeness, a widow might end up pregnant.

This proverb is used to warn against the dangers of being overly hesitant, polite, or unable to say 'no' (Mogamatam). It suggests that excessive politeness in situations where one should be firm can lead to disastrous, irreversible, and shameful consequences. It is used to advise someone to be assertive when necessary to protect their own interests.

Whether one says yes or no, the mother-in-law holds the authority, what does the daughter-in-law have?

This proverb highlights traditional domestic hierarchies where the elder or the person in a position of established power retains ultimate control, regardless of the opinions or status of subordinates. It is used to describe situations where one person's authority is absolute and unquestionable.

To a tiger, there is no distinction between its own place and others' place

This expression means that a hungry or predatory person does not distinguish between their own people or strangers when they want to satisfy their greed or aggression. It is used to describe a person who is ruthless and lacks loyalty or empathy, treating everyone as a target regardless of their relationship.

Mother-in-law's charity leads to heaven, daughter-in-law's charity leads to hell

This proverb highlights unfair bias and double standards within household dynamics. It describes a situation where the same action is judged differently based on who performs it; the mother-in-law's actions are praised while the daughter-in-law's identical actions are criticized.

Misery for the times and troubles for the country.

This expression is used to describe a period of collective misfortune or a series of calamities affecting a whole region or nation. It implies that when times are bad, hardships become widespread and inevitable, often used when discussing economic crises, natural disasters, or political instability.

In unfavorable times, even a frog becomes a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe how when someone's luck is bad or they are going through a period of misfortune, even the smallest, most insignificant problems or people can become major obstacles and cause significant trouble.

In bad times, even a pigeon pea plant will not bear fruit

This proverb describes a period of misfortune where even the simplest or most reliable tasks fail to yield results. It is used to express that when luck is against someone, even their best efforts and usually dependable resources will let them down.