కన్నతల్లి కడుపు చూస్తుంది, కట్టుకున్నది వీపు చూస్తుంది
kannatalli kadupu chustundi, kattukunnadi vipu chustundi
The birth mother looks at the stomach, the wife looks at the back.
This proverb highlights the difference in perspectives of caregivers. A mother is primarily concerned with her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), whereas a wife or the world may look at what the person has brought home or their capacity for labor (the back/burden). It is used to describe the selfless nature of maternal love compared to the practical expectations of other relationships.
Related Phrases
ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాదు, ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు
oka koduku koduku kadu, oka kannu kannu kadu
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.
కట్టెలు తేరా తిమ్మా అంటే కడుపు నొస్తదే అమ్మా అన్నట్టు
kattelu tera timma ante kadupu nostade amma annattu
When asked to fetch firewood, Timma says his stomach hurts.
This proverb is used to describe a person who makes silly or lazy excuses to avoid doing work. It highlights the tendency of people to suddenly claim illness or problems the moment a task is assigned to them.
కన్ను మూస్తే కల
kannu muste kala
If you shut your eyes, a dream. After death the unreality of things temporal appears.
This expression is used to describe something that is extremely fleeting, temporary, or ephemeral. It signifies that life or a specific situation is as momentary as a dream that disappears the moment you wake up.
చెడిందిరా పిల్ల అంటే, చేరిందిరా తెనాలి అన్నట్లు
chedindira pilla ante, cherindira tenali annatlu
When said 'the girl is ruined', it means 'she has reached Tenali'
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already in trouble or has lost their reputation moves to a place or joins a group known for further indulgence or lack of discipline. Historically, Tenali was satirically associated with a carefree or hedonistic lifestyle in folk sayings. It refers to a person's path going from bad to worse.
పసులముండా అంటే పట్టుతల్లీ అన్నట్టు
pasulamunda ante pattutalli annattu
When called a cattle-widow, she interpreted it as being called a golden mother.
This proverb describes a person who is so thick-skinned, delusional, or foolish that they interpret a harsh insult as a great compliment. It is used to mock someone who fails to understand criticism or remains blissfully unaware of being mocked.
ఒక కన్ను పువ్వు కన్ను, ఇంకో కన్ను కాయ కన్ను
oka kannu puvvu kannu, inko kannu kaya kannu
One eye is a flower eye, the other eye is a fruit eye.
This expression is used to describe partiality or double standards shown by a person. It refers to a situation where someone treats one person or side with kindness and favor (the soft flower) while treating another with harshness or severity (the hard unripe fruit).
కడుపుకు పెట్టిందే కన్నతల్లి.
kadupuku pettinde kannatalli.
The one who feeds the stomach is the biological mother.
This proverb emphasizes that providing nourishment and care is the ultimate act of motherhood. It suggests that a person's true benefactor or caretaker deserves the same respect and status as one's own mother, highlighting that love and provision are the foundations of a parental bond.
ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు, ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాడు
oka kannu kannu kadu, oka koduku koduku kadu
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.
కన్నతల్లికి కడుపు కాలితే, పిన్నతల్లికి పిర్ర కాలిందిట
kannatalliki kadupu kalite, pinnatalliki pirra kalindita
When the biological mother's stomach was burning (with hunger), the stepmother's butt was burning.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is truly suffering or in need is ignored, while someone else makes a frivolous or exaggerated complaint to gain attention or compete. It highlights the contrast between genuine distress and fake or disproportionate grievances.
చంకలో పిల్లాడు, ఊరంతా వెతుకులాట
chankalo pilladu, uranta vetukulata
Child on the hip, searching all over the village.
This expression is used to describe a situation where a person is searching for something that they already possess or is right in front of them. It highlights absent-mindedness or overlooking the obvious.