దత్త పుత్ర శోకము
datta putra shokamu
Grief for an adopted son. Slight grief.
This expression refers to grief or sorrow that is artificial, short-lived, or disproportionate to the actual loss. In traditional contexts, it suggests that the mourning for an adopted child might not be as deep or lasting as the mourning for a biological child. It is used to describe someone who is overacting or pretending to be deeply affected by a situation that doesn't truly concern them or shouldn't cause such intense sorrow.
Related Phrases
పండిత పుత్రుడు పరమశుంఠ
pandita putrudu paramashuntha
A scholar's son is a total fool.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the child of a highly educated or talented person turns out to be ignorant or unskilled. It highlights that wisdom and intelligence are not always inherited and is often used to mock someone who fails to live up to their parent's reputation.
ఆస్తికొక పుత్రుడు, ప్రేమకొక పుత్రిక
astikoka putrudu, premakoka putrika
A son for the property, and a daughter for the love.
This traditional expression reflects a cultural sentiment that a son is needed to inherit and manage the family's assets or lineage, while a daughter is essential for providing emotional warmth, care, and affection within the family. It highlights the perceived complementary roles of children in a household.
వట్టి చచ్చినా పుత్రుడే మేలు.
vatti chachchina putrude melu.
Even if he dies childless, it is better to have a son.
This proverb is rooted in traditional beliefs where having a son was considered essential for family legacy and performing last rites. It suggests that the status or merit of having had a son outweighs the sorrow of losing him, or more broadly, that even a failed or short-lived positive outcome is better than having nothing at all.
చక్కెర పూత పూసిన విషము
chakkera puta pusina vishamu
Poison covered with sugar.
This expression is used to describe something that appears attractive, sweet, or beneficial on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous underneath. It is often applied to deceptive words, treacherous people, or tempting offers that have hidden negative consequences.
A flattering speech is honeyed poison. (Latin.)* Sugared words generally prove bitter. (Spanish.)†
సోమారికి షోకులు ఎక్కువ
somariki shokulu ekkuva
A lazy person has many vanities.
This proverb is used to describe a person who avoids hard work but puts a lot of effort into their appearance, fashion, or showing off. It suggests that those who are unproductive often focus excessively on superficial things.
ఆడశోకం, మగరాగం ఒకటే.
adashokam, magaragam okate.
A woman's grief and a man's melody are the same.
This proverb suggests that both expressions are often unreliable or short-lived. It implies that a woman's weeping can sometimes be temporary or used as a tactic, just as a man's romantic singing or passion might not always represent deep, lasting commitment. It is used to caution against taking such emotional displays at face value.
కొంప ముంచుతావురా కుపుత్రా అంటే సందేహమెందుకు నాన్న అన్నాట్ట
kompa munchutavura kuputra ante sandehamenduku nanna annatta
When the father said, 'You will drown this house, you bad son,' the son replied, 'Why the doubt, father?'
This proverb is used to describe a person who is blatantly and shamelessly destructive or incompetent. It highlights a situation where someone is not only doing something wrong or harmful but is also boastful or overly confident about their ability to cause ruin, showing no remorse or intention to change.
పండిత పుత్రుడు పరమ శుంఠ
pandita putrudu parama shuntha
The son of a scholar is a complete blockhead
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the child of a highly learned or talented person turns out to be ignorant or foolish. It highlights that intelligence and wisdom are not always hereditary and mocks the irony when a great person's offspring lacks basic sense.
సకల శబ్దాది గోత్రాణాం, పుల్లమ్మ పుత్రాణాం
sakala shabdadi gotranam, pullamma putranam
Belonging to the 'all-sounds' lineage, and being the sons of Pullamma.
This humorous expression is used to describe people who lack a proper pedigree or distinguished background but try to sound sophisticated by using high-sounding, pseudo-Sanskrit words. It is often applied to commoners who pretend to be intellectual or elite, highlighting the contrast between their grand claims ('Sakala Shabda') and their simple, ordinary reality ('Pullamma Putrulu').
కొంప చెరుపకురా సుపుత్రా
kompa cherupakura suputra
O good son, do not ruin the house/family.
This is a sarcastic expression used to warn someone whose actions are causing significant harm, disgrace, or financial loss to their own family or household. While 'Suputra' literally means 'good son', it is used ironically here to point out the person's irresponsible behavior.