ఇంటికి ముసలికీడు, ఏటికి మొసలికీడు

intiki musalikidu, etiki mosalikidu

Translation

Old age is a danger to the house, a crocodile is a danger to the river.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe situations where a specific entity becomes a source of trouble for its environment. Just as a crocodile makes a river dangerous, an elderly person who is neglected or becomes overly difficult (or the inevitable decay associated with age) can bring distress to a household. It is often used to highlight unavoidable or inherent problems within a system.

Related Phrases

Like tying a knot between the sky and the earth

This expression is used to describe an impossible task, a highly exaggerated statement, or a clever person who can bridge two completely unrelated or extreme things through their talk or actions. It is often used to describe someone who spins tall tales or attempts to reconcile vast differences.

An old man is fond of a young widow

This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.

Three times the troubles in old age.

This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.

Lame leisure/complacency is a deception to the house.

This proverb is used to warn that laziness or feigning inability (lameness) to avoid work ultimately harms the entire household or family. It highlights how one person's excuses for not being productive lead to the downfall of collective stability.

An old man is fond of women.

This proverb highlights how people's preferences or attachments change with age or vulnerability. It suggests that someone in a weak or advanced stage of life finds comfort or affection in things that others might overlook or find plain, often implying that simplicity or basic companionship becomes more valuable than vanity in one's later years.

* On ne saurait faire boire un âne s'il n'a pas soif. † Man kan nœde en Mand till at blunde, men ikke til at sove.

For conversation at our house, for a meal at your house.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is very friendly and talkative but avoids being hospitable or sharing food. It refers to a person who is happy to host a conversation but expects others to provide the meal or resources. It highlights a one-sided relationship or stinginess disguised as friendliness.

A lame person's leisure is a loss to the house.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is unable to contribute productively (or is making excuses) spends their time in idle enjoyment or luxury, which ultimately leads to the financial or situational ruin of the household. It warns against being lazy or irresponsible when one should be mindful of their duties and the family's welfare.

An old person's desire, a deer's love for tender grass.

This proverb is used to describe someone who has desires or whims that are inappropriate for their age or current situation. It highlight the irony when an elderly person indulges in youthful fancies or when someone demands things that do not suit their phase of life.

There is no such thing as an old buffalo or an old Yenadi (tribesman).

This proverb is used to describe individuals who maintain their strength, productivity, or work capacity regardless of their age. It implies that certain beings remain robust and useful until the very end, suggesting that age is just a number for those with a strong constitution or work ethic.

What's the cripple's delight is harm to the house. Such a man is said always to be in mischief.

This proverb describes a situation where an unproductive or dependent person indulges in unnecessary luxuries or lazy pleasures at the expense of those who support them. It is used to critique individuals who waste resources they haven't earned, leading to the financial or structural downfall of the household.