చెల్లెలి మగని చూచుకొని చేయి వీటుగా బట్టెనట

chelleli magani chuchukoni cheyi vituga battenata

Translation

Relying on her younger sister's husband, she held her hand pompously.

Meaning

This proverb is used to criticize someone who acts arrogantly, lives extravagantly, or shows false pride based on the wealth and status of a relative (specifically a brother-in-law) rather than their own capability. It implies that their confidence is misplaced and dependent on someone else.

Related Phrases

When a strong man's hand falls on you, you must either look for a well or seek refuge in his armpit.

This proverb highlights the helplessness of the weak when confronted by a powerful person. It implies that when a dominant force exerts pressure, one's only options are extreme: either face total destruction (jumping into a well) or complete surrender and subservience (seeking shelter under their arm). It is used to describe situations where there is no middle ground or fair negotiation possible against someone with overwhelming power.

Flattery ruins both the one who gives it and the one who receives it.

This expression warns against the dangers of insincere praise. It suggests that flattery is harmful because it makes the giver a hypocrite or a liar, and it makes the receiver arrogant or delusional, ultimately leading to the downfall of both parties.

The shore is the limit of the sea. The word Chellelikattā signifies 'sister bank.' The idea is that the shore is as inviolate as a sister. Used in cautioning others not to transgress due bounds.

This expression is used to describe an individual's integrity, self-restraint, or discipline. Just as the vast ocean stays within its shores and does not overflow despite its power, a person of character stays within their moral boundaries and principles regardless of circumstances.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

Open your eyes wide before marriage, but after marriage, keep them half-closed and act as if you see but don't see.

This proverb advises individuals to be extremely cautious and observant while choosing a life partner. However, once married, it suggests that one should be tolerant and overlook minor faults or imperfections in their spouse to maintain a harmonious and happy relationship.

Is it enough to just look at your armpits and feel happy? Look at the road ahead, he said.

This expression is used to caution someone who is overly confident or celebrating a small success without considering the future challenges or the difficult journey ahead. It highlights the foolishness of being self-satisfied while ignoring upcoming obstacles.

A hand that does not give charity is like a tree that does not bear fruit.

This expression highlights the importance of generosity and social responsibility. It suggests that a person's life or wealth is useless if they do not help others, just as a fruit tree is considered pointless or unproductive if it fails to yield fruit. It is used to criticize stinginess and emphasize that true value lies in giving.

Seeing the mother-in-law's wealth, the daughter-in-law walked on her heels.

This proverb is used to describe a person who acts arrogant or spends extravagantly based on someone else's wealth or status, rather than their own. It highlights misplaced pride or dependency on another person's fortune.

A stupid woman going to the marriage of her husband's bro- ther's wife's sister. Doing useless things.

This proverb describes someone who gets involved in unnecessary or distant matters just because they are bored or have no work of their own. It is used to mock people who waste time on trivial or unrelated tasks instead of doing something productive.

Do not go to your in-laws' house out of anger, and do not go to your sister's house when you are ruined.

This proverb advises maintaining self-respect and social dignity. Going to an in-law's house while angry (after a fight at home) diminishes one's respect there, and going to a sister's house after losing one's wealth or status can become a burden and strain relationships. It emphasizes that one should avoid seeking refuge in places where their presence might lead to humiliation or awkwardness during times of vulnerability.