ఇంటికి ఆడుబిడ్డ చేటు, మిద్దెకు పూరిపంచ చేటు

intiki adubidda chetu, middeku puripancha chetu

Translation

A daughter is a harm to the house, a thatched eave is a harm to a terraced building.

Meaning

This is a traditional proverb reflecting old societal anxieties. It suggests that just as a dry thatched roof poses a fire hazard to a solid building, a daughter's presence was historically viewed as a liability due to the heavy financial burdens (like dowry) and social responsibilities associated with her marriage and well-being. It is used to describe things that are perceived as inherent risks or burdens to an establishment.

Related Phrases

Borrowed ornaments cause inconvenience by their weight, pain by taking them off and putting them on, and debt if one of them is lost. He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.

This proverb warns against the risks and anxieties of borrowing expensive items from others. It explains that while borrowed ornaments might make one look wealthy, they bring physical discomfort (burden), constant worry about their safety (hassle of handling), and a massive financial liability if something happens to them.

Either a baby girl or a baby boy.

This expression is used to describe a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or equally significant. It is often used to signify that no matter what happens among the expected options, the result is certain and fine. It can also be used to shut down unnecessary speculation about a result that will eventually reveal itself.

The one with protruding gums is a curse to the house, and a forked stick is a curse to the pandal.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe individuals or objects that are inherently unsuitable or bring bad luck/ruin to their surroundings. It suggests that just as a weak forked stick cannot properly support a shed (pandal) and leads to its collapse, a person with specific negative traits (metaphorically described here as protruding gums) is seen as a harbinger of misfortune for the family.

Borrowed wealth is a burden, eating sweets brings harm, and if any of it is lost, it leads to debt.

This proverb warns about the dangers of borrowing and the consequences of careless living. It highlights that borrowed money or items are never truly yours and create a psychological or financial burden. Similarly, overindulgence (sweets) leads to health issues. Ultimately, it emphasizes that if borrowed assets are lost or wasted, it results in a cycle of debt and ruin.

Encouraging beggars causes a great expenditure, an old husband is the plague of one's life.

This proverb serves as a warning against incompatible matches and lack of discipline. It suggests that being overly pampered or indulgent leads to a loss of self-reliance (begging/poverty), and a significant age gap in marriage leads to misery or a shortened lifespan due to the burden of care and emotional dissatisfaction.

The ruins of debt

This expression refers to a state of being overwhelmed or ruined by excessive debt. It is used to describe a situation where someone's financial stability or life is destroyed due to borrowing beyond their means.

A wife who controls her husband is bad for him; a woman with dragging feet is bad for the home.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb describing certain traits as ill-omens or destructive. It suggests that a wife who tries to dominate or manipulate her husband brings him ruin, while a person who drags their feet while walking (metaphorically signifying laziness or bad vibrations) brings misfortune to the entire household. It is used to remark on behaviors that are believed to cause the downfall of a family.

Borrowed ornaments are a burden; putting them on and taking them off is a hassle; if one is lost, it results in debt.

This proverb warns against the risks and hassles of borrowing items (especially jewelry or valuables) from others. It implies that borrowed luxury brings more anxiety than joy, as one must constantly guard them, and any loss leads to financial ruin or long-term debt to repay the lender.

Talking in the day time spoils one's business ; talking in the night time spoils one's sleep.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of time management and focus. It suggests that gossiping or talking excessively during the day hinders productivity, while doing the same at night disturbs necessary rest. It is used to advise someone to stop talking and get back to their responsibilities or to sleep.

Tall is vulnerable to wind, short is vulnerable to water

This proverb highlights that every physical trait has its own disadvantage depending on the situation. Just as a tall tree or person is more likely to be affected by strong winds (or storms), a short person or object is more likely to be submerged or affected by rising waters (or floods). It is used to suggest that no one is perfectly safe or superior in all circumstances.