చూపులకు మగడే కానీ, సుఖానికి మగడు కాదు
chupulaku magade kani, sukhaniki magadu kadu
A husband for appearances only, not for providing happiness.
This proverb is used to describe a situation or person that looks competent or sufficient on the outside but fails to fulfill their primary responsibilities or provide the expected benefits. In a literal sense, it refers to a spouse who maintains the social status of marriage but fails to provide emotional, physical, or financial support. Metaphorically, it is used for any object or person that is decorative but useless in practice.
Related Phrases
అగడు మగడి పాలు, ఆనందం ఊరి పాలు
agadu magadi palu, anandam uri palu
The hardship is for the husband, while the joy is for the village.
This proverb describes a situation where one person does all the hard work or bears the suffering, while the benefits or celebrations are enjoyed by others who didn't contribute. It is used to highlight unfair distribution of labor and rewards.
పేరు కమలాక్షి చూపులు కాకిచూపులు
peru kamalakshi chupulu kakichupulu
The name is Kamalaxi (lotus-eyed), but the sight is that of a crow.
This proverb is used to describe a person whose character or actions do not match their beautiful name or outward reputation. It highlights the irony when someone with a noble name behaves in a mean, suspicious, or crooked manner, much like a crow's restless and sharp gaze.
చూపులకు గుట్టమేకాని, మటుకుతనంలేదు
chupulaku guttamekani, matukutanamledu
A hill in appearance, but lacks substance or weight.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears physically strong, impressive, or imposing but lacks the actual strength, capability, or inner fortitude to back it up. It is similar to the English phrase 'All bark and no bite' or referring to someone as a 'hollow giant.'
అంకుమొగుడు కడుపునొప్పి ఎరుగడు
ankumogudu kadupunoppi erugadu
The step-husband does not understand the labor pain.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks empathy or cannot understand the depth of someone else's suffering or hard work because they have not experienced it themselves. It is often applied to those who reap the benefits of a situation without knowing the struggle involved in creating it.
తానై మాగని కాయ, తంతే మాగునా?
tanai magani kaya, tante maguna?
Will a fruit that doesn't ripen on its own, ripen if you kick it?
This proverb is used to explain that some things cannot be rushed or forced. Just as a fruit must mature naturally to be sweet, certain results, skills, or changes in behavior require time and internal readiness rather than external pressure or force.
పులిగాడికి గిలిగాడు మొగుడు
puligadiki giligadu mogudu
For the tiger-man, the tickler-man is the husband.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a strong, fierce, or arrogant person is eventually defeated or outsmarted by someone even more capable or clever. It conveys the idea that no matter how powerful someone is, there is always someone superior who can keep them in check.
మరులున్నవాడే మగడు
marulunnavade magadu
Only the man who has deep affection/infatuation is a true husband.
This proverb emphasizes that a man's worth as a husband is defined by the love, care, and attraction he shows toward his wife, rather than just his title or authority. It is used to suggest that emotional devotion is the hallmark of a good spouse.
ఇంటి మగనికి ఈచకట్లు, బయటి మగనికి తాటికట్లు
inti maganiki ichakatlu, bayati maganiki tatikatlu
Wild date-palm fiber bindings for the husband at home, and sturdy palmyra fiber bindings for the outsider.
This proverb describes a situation of hypocrisy or misplaced priorities where one treats their own family or relatives poorly while being overly generous, respectful, or formal with strangers. It is often used to criticize someone who neglects their household needs while putting on a grand show for the outside world.
మనసుకు నచ్చినవాడు మగడుకానీ మంగళసూత్రం కట్టగానే మగడు కాడు
manasuku nachchinavadu magadukani mangalasutram kattagane magadu kadu
The one who is liked by the heart is the husband, not just the one who ties the mangalsutra.
This expression emphasizes that true companionship and a husband's status are earned through love, mutual understanding, and emotional connection rather than through the mere ritual of marriage or tying a sacred thread. It is used to highlight that legal or ritualistic bonding is secondary to emotional compatibility.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మగడు కాడు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకు కాడు
unchukunnavadu magadu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
The man one keeps is not a husband, the child one raises is not a son.
This proverb reflects traditional social views on legitimacy and formal bonds. It suggests that informal relationships or foster care do not equate to the legal and social status of a marriage or biological lineage. It is often used to emphasize that titles or roles earned through convenience or temporary arrangements lack the permanence and sanctity of formal, recognized institutions.