చెల్లెలి వరుస విడిచి చేసుకోవాలి, తల్లి వరుస తప్పి చేసుకోవాలి

chelleli varusa vidichi chesukovali, talli varusa tappi chesukovali

Translation

One should marry leaving the relation of a sister and avoiding the relation of a mother.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to explain marriage alliances and exogamy. It signifies that one can marry a girl who doesn't fall into the category of a 'sister' (like a paternal uncle's daughter or maternal aunt's daughter) or 'mother' (certain maternal clan relations) according to cultural lineage rules. It emphasizes following social and biological protocols in matrimonial matches.

Related Phrases

Even if there is no food to eat, one must go to a wedding.

This proverb is used to describe people who prioritize social appearances, celebrations, or free feasts even when they are struggling with basic necessities at home. It can also imply that certain social obligations are so important that people will attend them regardless of their personal financial situation.

Whether ruined or fallen, one cannot escape the husband they married.

This proverb emphasizes the concept of commitment and acceptance in life's permanent choices, particularly marriage. It suggests that regardless of the difficulties, failures, or changes in circumstances, one must stand by and endure the consequences of their primary life decisions and relationships.

If one behaves ignoring kinship and relationship rules, they will be ruined.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It warns that violating the sanctity of relationships (especially incestuous or socially unacceptable behavior regarding elders and relatives) leads to moral degradation and social downfall.

Help in times of danger, share in times of wealth.

This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of relationships and fairness. It means that if you want a share in someone's prosperity or inheritance (property), you must also be willing to stand by them and provide support when they are in trouble or facing a crisis.

If one's own mother kicks and snatches it away, one must hit her with a slipper to get the bowl back.

This proverb is used to describe a situation of extreme desperation or a total breakdown of relationships and ethics. It implies that when your own protectors or family members turn against you and take away your means of survival, you have no choice but to resort to extreme, even disrespectful, measures to reclaim what is rightfully yours or to survive.

To get wind, one must put their slippers in a cart.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone performs a task in a counter-productive or illogical way. It signifies that the effort being put in will not yield the desired result because the method is fundamentally flawed, much like thinking that putting slippers in a cart will somehow generate a breeze.

They will perish by behaving without regard for kinship and social relations.

This expression emphasizes the importance of maintaining social and familial boundaries. It is used to warn that those who ignore moral standards or act inappropriately within family and social hierarchies will eventually face downfall or ruin.

O Mahâdêva! what a man does, that does he in full receive.

This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that individuals are solely responsible for the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. It is often used to suggest that one's current situation is a direct result of their past efforts or deeds.

Should one start making swords only after the battle has begun?

This proverb is used to criticize lack of preparation. It describes the foolishness of trying to acquire necessary tools or skills at the very moment they are needed, rather than being prepared in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted' or 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'

To make swords when the war comes.

This proverb is used to criticize lack of foresight or preparation. It describes a situation where someone starts preparing for a challenge or emergency only when it is already happening, rather than being ready in advance. It is similar to the English expression 'digging a well only when the house is on fire.'