చిచ్చుగలవారి కోడలు చిత్రాంగి, బావిగలవారి కోడలు పనిమంతురాలు

chichchugalavari kodalu chitrangi, bavigalavari kodalu panimanturalu

Translation

The daughter-in-law of those who have fire is beautiful, the daughter-in-law of those who have a well is hardworking.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

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.

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.

The daughter-in-law of a wealthy person supposedly paid a gold coin for a haircut.

This proverb is used to describe people who waste money extravagantly just to show off their status or wealth, often paying far more than what a service or item is actually worth. It highlights vanity and the lack of financial prudence in those trying to maintain a high social image.

The daughter-in-law of a wealthy family will not stop being proud.

This proverb describes a person who shows off or displays pride because of their wealth, status, or influential background. It is used to point out that those with abundant resources or support often act with a certain level of confidence, elegance, or arrogance that they find difficult to hide.

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.

The daughter-in-law of a wealthy/fortunate family supposedly paid a gold coin for a haircut.

This proverb is used to mock people who waste money extravagantly on cheap or simple tasks just to show off their status or wealth. It refers to unnecessary vanity and the lack of financial sense in those who possess inherited fortune.

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.

Ships can become carts, and carts can become ships.

This proverb signifies the unpredictable nature of fortune and time. It means that a wealthy person can become poor and a poor person can become wealthy; nothing in life is permanent. It is used to advise humility during success and hope during adversity.

Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.

This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.

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.