ఇల్లు చూసి ఇల్లాలును చూడమన్నారు

illu chusi illalunu chudamannaru

Translation

Look at the house first, then look at the housewife.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that the state of a home reflects the character, management skills, and discipline of the person maintaining it. It is often used to imply that one can understand a person's nature and habits by observing their surroundings and how they manage their household.

Related Phrases

Look at the mother before choosing the daughter; look at the milk before buying the buffalo.

This proverb emphasizes that heredity, upbringing, and proven quality are essential factors when making long-term commitments or choices. Just as a buffalo's value is determined by its milk yield, a person's character and traits are often influenced by their lineage and parental upbringing. It is commonly used as advice when considering marriage alliances.

On seeing the swelling, she took it as a sign of growing strength

Swelling is not healthy growth. We should be wise in our judgment and should not rush to conclusions, by merely noting the external appearances.

Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint

This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.

Look at the house first, then look at the housewife.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness and organization of a home reflect the character, management skills, and nature of the woman of the house. It is used to imply that one's environment is a mirror of their internal discipline and habits.

A housewife's cleanliness is known the moment you see the house.

This proverb implies that the character, discipline, and efficiency of a person can be judged by the state of their immediate environment or the work they manage. Just as a clean house reflects a diligent homemaker, a person's surroundings are a mirror of their internal standards.

Fear is for the money, not for the wisdom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people respect or fear someone only because of their wealth and social status, rather than their character, intelligence, or integrity. It highlights the materialistic nature of society.

A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.

Should I look at the milk or the vessel?

This expression is used to describe a dilemma where one must choose between the quality of the content and the appearance of the container. It is often applied to situations where someone is stuck between focusing on the value of a person or object versus their external flaws or surroundings.

Are we to look at milk or at the pot? The pot is only valued for the milk in it. The jewel is not to be valued for the cabinet.

This expression is used when someone is in a dilemma or a state of confusion between two tasks or priorities, implying that they cannot focus on one thing without worrying about the other. It describes a situation where a person is overwhelmed by multiple responsibilities.

Hiding upon seeing the mother-in-law, throwing away upon seeing the child.

This expression refers to a person who is hypocritical or selective in their behavior based on self-interest. It describes someone who acts disciplined or stingy in front of authority figures (like a mother-in-law) to make a good impression, but becomes careless or overly generous when dealing with those who have no power over them (like a child).