కనిపెంచిననాడు కొడుకులుగాని, కోడళ్లు వచ్చాక కొడుకులా?

kanipenchinanadu kodukulugani, kodallu vachchaka kodukula?

Translation

They are sons only while being birthed and raised; are they still sons once the daughters-in-law arrive?

Meaning

This proverb reflects a cynical or traditional social observation about how sons often change their priorities or distance themselves from their parents after getting married. It is used to express the disappointment of parents who feel neglected by their sons due to the influence of their wives (daughters-in-law).

Related Phrases

Having only one son is like having only one eye.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability of relying on a single source of support. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending solely on one child or a single plan is risky because if that one fails, there is no backup or alternative support system.

Like a son who went before his father's funeral rites.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely irresponsible, unreliable, or who disappears exactly when they are needed the most. It refers to a person who neglects their most important duties and escapes their responsibilities.

One eye is not an eye, one son is not a son.

This proverb highlights the vulnerability and risk associated with having only one of something essential. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending on an only child (traditionally for lineage or support) is considered risky because if something happens to them, there is no backup. It is used to describe situations where a single point of failure exists.

A widow's son is a son, a king's son is a son. A king's son and a widow's son are both greatly indulged.

This proverb highlights that fate or luck favors two extremes: either those who have nothing to lose and must work extremely hard (the widow's son) or those who are born with immense privilege (the king's son). It is used to describe how people at the very bottom of the social ladder and the very top often end up being the most successful or influential, albeit for different reasons.

The son is a darling, while the daughter-in-law is a blockhead.

This proverb reflects a common human bias and double standard within families. It highlights how parents often overlook their own child's faults (viewing them with affection) while being overly critical, dismissive, or insensitive toward their daughter-in-law's efforts and intelligence.

One eye is no eye, one son is no son.

This proverb suggests that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as losing one's only eye leads to total blindness, depending on an only child (or a single point of failure) leaves one vulnerable. It is used to emphasize the importance of backups, security, or having multiple supports in life.

One son is not a son, and one tree is not a grove.

This proverb emphasizes that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as a single tree cannot provide the shade or abundance of an entire forest/grove, having only one child (in a traditional context) or one plan was seen as precarious because if that one fails, there is no backup or support system.

The time the daughter-in-law arrived, the time the young bulls arrived.

This proverb is used to comment on coincidences, specifically when a new arrival in a family (like a daughter-in-law) is blamed or credited for significant events (like the birth of livestock or changes in fortune) that happen shortly after. It highlights how people often link luck or misfortune to a person's entry into the household.

A son raised by a widow is like a bull without a nose ring.

This proverb is used to describe a person who grows up without discipline or a strong guiding authority figure. Just as a bull without a nose rope (mukudaram) is wild and uncontrollable, a child raised without firm guidance or supervision is perceived to grow up stubborn, disobedient, and wayward.

The son is great, but the daughter-in-law is thin (small)

This proverb is used to describe a biased attitude where parents overlook their own son's faults or give him excessive credit while being overly critical, dismissive, or demanding toward the daughter-in-law. It highlights the unequal treatment and double standards often found in family dynamics.