దాసికి శిక్ష తలగొరిగింపు, భార్యకు దండన పడక వెలివేత.
dasiki shiksha talagorigimpu, bharyaku dandana padaka veliveta.
For a maidservant, the punishment is shaving the head; for a wife, the punishment is exclusion from the bed.
This proverb highlights the different methods of discipline or social consequences applicable to different relationships in traditional settings. It suggests that while a servant's punishment is physical or visible (public shaming), a wife's punishment is emotional or psychological, involving the withdrawal of intimacy and affection. It is used to describe how consequences are tailored to the status of the individual and the nature of the bond.
Related Phrases
వైద్యుని భార్యకే భగంధర రోగము.
vaidyuni bharyake bhagandhara rogamu.
The doctor's wife herself suffers from fistula.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an expert or a professional is unable to help their own family members or solve problems in their own household, despite helping others in the same field. It is similar to the English proverb 'The shoemaker's children go barefoot.'
ఉండేవాళ్లంతా ఉండగా, ఉపాధ్యాయుడి భార్యకు దడిబియ్యం.
undevallanta undaga, upadhyayudi bharyaku dadibiyyam.
[To perform the ceremony of] Dadi Biyyam to the priest's wife when there are many other things to be done. Dadi Biyyam is a ceremony performed before the consummation of marriage. Going out of your way to do something for others, and neglecting much that you have to do of your own.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where credit, resources, or honors are given to someone who is irrelevant or least deserving, while the people who actually did the work or have the primary right are ignored. It highlights the irony of misplaced priorities or favoritism.
కూరకు తాలింపు, చీరకు జాడింపు
kuraku talimpu, chiraku jadimpu
Tempering for the curry, rinsing for the saree.
This expression highlights the essential finishing touches or actions that bring out the best quality in something. Just as tempering (seasoning) is vital for a curry's flavor, properly rinsing and snapping a saree makes it look crisp and beautiful. It is used to signify that certain processes are indispensable for a perfect result.
గుడ్డకు జాడింపు, కూరకు తాలింపు, కోడలికి సాధింపు, లేకపోతే ఇంపులేదు.
guddaku jadimpu, kuraku talimpu, kodaliki sadhimpu, lekapote impuledu.
Shaking for a cloth, tempering for a curry, and nagging for a daughter-in-law; without these, there is no satisfaction.
This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs a good shake to be clean and a curry needs tempering for flavor, some believe a daughter-in-law needs constant 'correction' or 'nagging' to keep the household running smoothly. It is often used to describe traditional mothers-in-law who justify their strictness as necessary for household discipline.
తలకు మించిన శిక్ష, గోచికి మించిన దారిద్ర్యం లేవు
talaku minchina shiksha, gochiki minchina daridryam levu
There is no punishment greater than beheading, and no poverty worse than having only a loincloth.
This proverb is used to describe the absolute extremes of a situation. It suggests that once a person has faced the ultimate penalty or the lowest form of deprivation, there is nothing more to fear or lose. It signifies reaching the limit of hardship or consequences.
తల్లి చెవుల మద్దికాయలు దండగలకు, భార్య మెళ్లో పూసలు బోగాలవారికి.
talli chevula maddikayalu dandagalaku, bharya mello pusalu bogalavariki.
His mother's ear-ornaments went to pay fines, and his wife's necklace of beads to pay harlots.
This proverb describes a person who is irresponsible, reckless, or addicted to vices. It depicts a scenario where a person squanders his family's assets—specifically the mother's jewelry to pay off legal fines or debts resulting from his bad behavior, and his wife's jewelry to spend on external pleasures or luxuries. It is used to criticize someone who ruins their household's stability through negligence and bad habits.
నూరు గొడ్లకు అధికారి, ఇంటి భార్యకు ఎండుపూరి
nuru godlaku adhikari, inti bharyaku endupuri
Commander of a hundred cattle, but dry straw for the wife at home.
This proverb describes a person who holds great power, wealth, or influence in the outside world but fails to provide basic necessities or comforts to their own family. It is used to critique individuals who are generous or prestigious socially but neglect their domestic responsibilities.
చాకలివాని భార్యకు మంగలివాడు విడాకులు ఇచ్చినట్లు
chakalivani bharyaku mangalivadu vidakulu ichchinatlu
Like the barber's giving a written divorcement to the washerwoman's wife.
This expression is used to describe an absurd or illogical situation where a person interferes in a matter that they have absolutely no authority or legal standing over. It refers to someone trying to settle or decide an issue that does not involve them at all.
న్యాయము తప్పినవానికి ఆచార్యకటాక్ష మెందుకు
nyayamu tappinavaniki acharyakataksha menduku
Why does one who has strayed from justice need the teacher's grace?
This expression highlights that for someone who has abandoned righteousness, justice, or ethics, even the blessings or guidance of a great teacher (Guru) will be of no use. It implies that personal integrity is a prerequisite for receiving and benefiting from divine or scholarly grace.
గుడ్డకు జాడింపు, కూరకు తాలింపు, కోడలికి సాధింపు లేకున్న ఇంపు లేదు.
guddaku jadimpu, kuraku talimpu, kodaliki sadhimpu lekunna impu ledu.
Rinsing for a cloth, tempering for a curry, and nagging for a daughter-in-law—without these, there is no satisfaction.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb reflecting old social dynamics. It suggests that just as a cloth needs vigorous rinsing to be clean and a curry needs tempering (tadka) to be tasty, a daughter-in-law was traditionally thought to need 'discipline' or constant reminders (nagging) to be a good homemaker. It is often used to describe situations where someone is being unnecessarily nitpicked or controlled under the guise of improvement.