ఇంటింటికీ గుట్టు, మడికీ గట్టు

intintiki guttu, madiki gattu

Translation

Every house has its secrets, every field has its bunds.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that every family or household has private matters or internal problems that should remain confidential. Just as a 'gattu' (bund/embankment) defines and protects the boundaries of a field, 'guttu' (secrecy/privacy) protects the dignity and reputation of a family.

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.

A cane for the school and manure for the field.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of discipline and nourishment for growth. Just as a field needs fertilizer (manure) to yield a good crop, a student needs discipline (symbolized by the cane) to acquire knowledge and character. It is used to explain that different environments require specific tools or methods to produce the best results.

Serve the son-in-law, keep the secret for the wife.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of maintaining family dignity and harmony. It suggests that one should treat guests (like the son-in-law) with great hospitality while keeping internal family matters or hardships private to protect the wife's (or the household's) reputation.

An embankment for the field, a secret for the word.

Just as an embankment (bund) is necessary to hold water and protect a field, a sense of secrecy or discretion is essential for maintaining the value and integrity of a conversation or a promise. It emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and thinking before speaking.

Every house has an earthen fire-place.

This proverb means that certain problems, weaknesses, or secrets are universal and exist in every household or for every person, regardless of how they appear on the outside. It is used to convey that one is not alone in their struggles and that human nature or domestic issues are the same everywhere.

Every man has his faults.

A field needs a bund, and a village needs discipline.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of boundaries and rules. Just as a field requires a bund (gattu) to retain water and protect the crop, a community or village requires collective discipline and social order (kattu) to function harmoniously and remain united. It is used to stress the need for regulation in any organized system.

Every house has an earthen fire-place, my house is still worse off. Acknowledging one's failings.

This proverb is used to convey that everyone has their own set of problems or flaws, and one's own situation is no exception—or perhaps even slightly more complicated. It highlights the universality of human struggles and domestic issues, suggesting that no household is perfectly free from trouble.

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.

That house has no fence, and this house has no latch.

This proverb describes a state of total insecurity, neglect, or lack of discipline. It is used to refer to a situation where there are no boundaries or protections in place, often implying that a system or family is disorganized and vulnerable to outside interference or internal chaos.

That house has no fence, and this house has no latch.

This proverb describes a situation of complete lack of security or discipline. It is used to refer to households or organizations where there is no control, no boundaries, and no protection, often implying a state of mismanagement or vulnerability where anyone can come and go as they please.