కలిగినవారింటి కడగొట్టుకోడలు అయ్యేటంతకన్నా పేదవారింటి పెద్దకోడలు అయితే మేలు.
kaliginavarinti kadagottukodalu ayyetantakanna pedavarinti peddakodalu ayite melu.
Better be the eldest daughter-in-law in a poor man's house, than the youngest daughter-in-law in a rich man's house. The eldest son's wife has authority in a household next to a mother-in- law and in the case of the latter's death she becomes mistress of the estab- lishment. The youngest son's daughter, though generally petted, is allowed no voice in the management of the household affairs.
This proverb highlights the importance of status, responsibility, and respect over mere material wealth. In traditional households, the eldest daughter-in-law (Pedda Kodalu) holds significant authority and decision-making power, even if the family is poor. Conversely, the youngest (Kadagottu Kodalu) in a rich family may have luxuries but often lacks a voice or status in family matters. It is used to suggest that it is better to lead in humble circumstances than to be a subordinate in affluent ones.
Related Phrases
అత్తవారింటి ఐశ్వర్యముకన్నా పుట్టింటి గంజిమేలు
attavarinti aishvaryamukanna puttinti ganjimelu
The gruel at one's parental home is better than the riches at the in-laws' house.
This proverb emphasizes that freedom, self-respect, and the unconditional love found in one's birth home are far more valuable than the material wealth and luxury in a place where one might feel restricted or secondary. It is used to highlight that comfort and peace of mind are superior to status or money.
తా దూరే కంత లేదు, మెడకో డోలు అన్నాడట
ta dure kanta ledu, medako dolu annadata
There isn't enough space for himself to pass through the hole, yet he wants a drum around his neck, he said.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is already in a difficult or tight situation but tries to take on additional, unnecessary burdens or responsibilities that make the situation impossible. It mocks people who lack the capacity to manage their basic needs yet aspire for grand, cumbersome status symbols or extra tasks.
కలిగినవారి కోడలు కులుకుమానదు.
kaliginavari kodalu kulukumanadu.
The daughter-in-law of a wealthy family will not stop being proud.
This proverb describes a person who shows off or displays pride because of their wealth, status, or influential background. It is used to point out that those with abundant resources or support often act with a certain level of confidence, elegance, or arrogance that they find difficult to hide.
అత్తా ఒకరింటి కోడలే
atta okarinti kodale
The mother-in-law was herself once a daughter-in-law. The mother-in-law forgets that she was a daughter-in-law. (Spanish.)
This proverb is used to remind people in positions of power or authority to be empathetic toward their subordinates. It specifically highlights that every mother-in-law once experienced the struggles of being a daughter-in-law, suggesting she should treat her own daughter-in-law with kindness and understanding based on her own past experiences.
అన్నం పెట్టినవారింటికి కన్నము పెట్టినట్లు
annam pettinavarintiki kannamu pettinatlu
Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.
This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.
మనిషి పేద అయీతే మాటకు పేదా?
manishi peda ayite mataku peda?
Does it mean that being poor, one should be poor in one’s speech as well?
One may give a noble speech, even if one is financially poor. The nobility of one does not depend on one’s wealth or the lack of it.
కులమింటి కోతి అయినా మేలు.
kulaminti koti ayina melu.
A monkey [ -like wife ] of good family is better [than a pretty wife of low origin ].
This proverb suggests that it is better to deal with someone familiar, even if they have flaws or are troublesome, rather than trusting a stranger. It emphasizes the comfort and safety found within one's own community, family, or social circle during times of need.
ఆలు గుణవంతురాలు అయితే, మేలు కలుగును
alu gunavanturalu ayite, melu kalugunu
If the wife is of good disposition, good will accrue.
This proverb emphasizes that a family's prosperity, harmony, and reputation depend largely on the character and conduct of the woman of the house. It is used to highlight the importance of a spouse's virtues in ensuring a happy and successful life.
గొల్లవారింటి పెండ్లి తెల్లవారింది
gollavarinti pendli tellavarindi
The morning dawns before the shepherds' marriage is begun. They have so many disputes that nothing can be settled.
This proverb is used to describe an event or task that took an excessively long time to complete, or a situation where people were kept waiting or busy until daybreak. It often implies a sense of exhaustion or the completion of a long, drawn-out process.
అధమునికి ఆలయ్యేటంతకంటే, బలవంతునికి బానిస అయ్యేది మేలు.
adhamuniki alayyetantakante, balavantuniki banisa ayyedi melu.
Better be the hand-maid of a great man than the wife of a low fellow. Better fare hard with good men than feast with bad.
This proverb emphasizes that it is better to serve a noble or powerful person than to be intimately associated with someone of poor character or low status. It suggests that even a subordinate role under a virtuous or strong leader offers more dignity and security than a higher-ranking position with a base or wicked individual.