చుట్టుడు చాప, విసురుడు తలుపు, పెడసరపు పెండ్లాము

chuttudu chapa, visurudu talupu, pedasarapu pendlamu

Translation

A mat that must be rolled, a door that must be swung, and a stubborn wife.

Meaning

This proverb describes things that are difficult to manage or deal with due to their inherent nature. It compares the physical effort needed to handle a stiff mat or a heavy door to the emotional and mental strain of living with a stubborn or contrary spouse. It is used to express frustration with uncooperative situations or people.

Related Phrases

The mother will look at his belly the wife at his back. The mother will look to see how her son fares, the wife to see what her husband has brought home for her. Come but come stooping.

This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.

* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.

The taste of half-roasted moong dal is like the taste of a second wife.

This proverb is used to describe things that are new or incomplete yet seem very attractive or desirable at the beginning. Just as moong dal that isn't fully roasted still has a distinct (though raw) flavor, a second wife or a new person entering a situation might seem better than the old, often masking underlying complications.

At God's wedding, everyone is an elder/leader.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear authority, hierarchy, or organization because everyone involved considers themselves to be in charge. It is often applied to chaotic events where everyone is giving orders but no one is following them.

After becoming poor, observe your wife's attitude.

This proverb suggests that the true character and loyalty of a spouse are tested during difficult financial times. It implies that while everyone is supportive during prosperity, only a truly devoted partner remains respectful and supportive when wealth is lost.

All shame is gone, junior wife; shall we at least go to the wedding, senior wife?

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks self-respect or has already lost their reputation and continues to act shamelessly without concern for social standing. It highlights a situation where someone, having already suffered a major embarrassment or failure, behaves as if nothing happened or tries to seek further social engagement despite their loss of dignity.

Moola (star) will drown, and Vishakha (star) will blow away.

This is an agricultural proverb related to the monsoon. It means that if it rains during the Moola Nakshatram (Moola constellation period), it results in heavy flooding (drowning), whereas rains during Vishakha Nakshatram are accompanied by strong, destructive winds (blowing away/scattering).

For a poor man, his wife is his only wealth.

This proverb suggests that for someone with no material possessions or financial resources, a supportive and hardworking life partner is their greatest asset and source of strength. It highlights the value of companionship and family over material riches in times of poverty.

A mat that rolls up, a door that shuts, and a wife who stays offended.

This proverb lists things that are difficult to manage or recover once they have turned away. It implies that a mat that constantly rolls itself up is useless, a door that gets stuck closed is a hindrance, and a spouse who holds a long-term grudge makes domestic life unbearable. It is used to describe situations or behaviors that become stubbornly uncooperative or obstructive.

For a very short husband, a very tall wife.

This proverb describes a mismatch or an ill-suited pairing. It is used to point out situations where two entities, people, or things are completely incompatible or disproportionate to each other, making the combination look awkward or impractical.

For a wedding that is bound to fail, it is all the same even if you offer a helping hand.

This proverb is used to describe a situation or task that is fundamentally flawed or destined for failure from the start. In such cases, no matter how much effort, support, or 'legs' (assistance) you provide, the outcome will remain the same. It suggests that some things are beyond saving despite intervention.