కన్నతల్లి కాదన్నా కట్టుకున్నది కాదన్నా బ్రతుకే వ్యర్థం

kannatalli kadanna kattukunnadi kadanna bratuke vyartham

Translation

If the mother who gave birth rejects you and the wife you married rejects you, life is a waste.

Meaning

This expression highlights the significance of primary relationships in a person's life. It suggests that if one loses the love and support of both their mother (representing one's origin) and their spouse (representing one's life partner/future), their existence becomes meaningless or devoid of purpose.

Related Phrases

A woman was told to live by keeping her mouth (shut).

This traditional expression implies that for a woman to lead a peaceful life in a household or society, she should exercise restraint in speech and avoid arguments. It is often used to suggest that patience and silence are virtues for women in domestic life.

An onion is not a jasmine flower, and a mistress is not a wife.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.

The village where one lives is like one's own mother.

This expression emphasizes the deep emotional bond and sanctity of one's birthplace or residence. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, one's hometown provides identity and sustenance. It is used to express patriotism, loyalty, and the importance of respecting and serving one's roots.

Whether one says yes or no, the mother-in-law holds the authority, what does the daughter-in-law have?

This proverb highlights traditional domestic hierarchies where the elder or the person in a position of established power retains ultimate control, regardless of the opinions or status of subordinates. It is used to describe situations where one person's authority is absolute and unquestionable.

Wasted wealth reaches wasteful people

This expression means that money earned or spent foolishly ends up in the hands of those who do not value it. It is often used to describe how ill-gotten gains or poorly managed resources are eventually squandered by incompetent or undeserving individuals.

To a tiger, there is no distinction between its own place and others' place

This expression means that a hungry or predatory person does not distinguish between their own people or strangers when they want to satisfy their greed or aggression. It is used to describe a person who is ruthless and lacks loyalty or empathy, treating everyone as a target regardless of their relationship.

The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.

This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.

A child in arms won't stop crying even if you hit it.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is forced to endure a burden or responsibility they have voluntarily taken up. Once you have committed to helping someone or taking on a task (lifting the child), you must bear the consequences and difficulties (the crying/trouble) that come with it until the end.

The village where one lives is like one's own mother.

This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and debt of gratitude one owes to their birthplace or hometown. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, the place where one grows up provides sustenance, identity, and a sense of belonging. It is used to encourage patriotism, loyalty to one's roots, or to remind someone never to forget their origins.

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.