కఠినమైన కన్నతల్లి, వట్టిదైనా వరికూడు.
kathinamaina kannatalli, vattidaina varikudu.
A strict birth mother and plain rice are still the best.
This proverb emphasizes that even if a biological mother is strict or harsh, her love is genuine and beneficial for the child, just as plain rice is nutritious and sustaining even without side dishes. It suggests that basic, essential things are superior to fancy alternatives.
Related Phrases
కరక్కాయ కన్నతల్లి
karakkaya kannatalli
The Myrobalan fruit is like one's own mother
This expression refers to the medicinal value of the Haritaki (Karakkaya) fruit in Ayurveda. It implies that just as a mother cares for her child's well-being and health without fail, this medicinal nut protects and heals the body from various ailments. It is used to emphasize the importance of traditional medicine and natural remedies.
కులహీనమైనా వరహీనం కారాదు
kulahinamaina varahinam karadu
Even if lineage is low, one should not be lacking in blessings/boons.
This proverb suggests that one's social standing or birth is less important than the qualities, luck, or divine blessings they possess. In a practical sense, it is often used to emphasize that even if a person comes from a humble background, they should possess good fortune or the strength of character to succeed.
అత్తవారింటికి అల్లుడైనా కావాలి, ఆబోతైనా కావాలి.
attavarintiki alludaina kavali, abotaina kavali.
To the mother-in-law's house, one should go either as a son-in-law or as a bull.
This proverb is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects to be pampered and fed without doing any work. In traditional Telugu culture, a son-in-law is treated with extreme hospitality and never asked to work, while a 'Basavanna' (sacred bull) is fed and revered without labor. It is used to mock lazy individuals who overstay their welcome and expect royal treatment.
ధీరుడైనా కావాలి, దీనుడైనా కావాలి
dhirudaina kavali, dinudaina kavali
One should either be a courageous person or a humble person.
This expression suggests that in life, to survive or succeed, one must possess either the strength and courage (Dheerudu) to face challenges head-on or the humility and submissiveness (Deenudu) to seek help and stay protected. It implies that being stuck in the middle with an ego but no strength is a recipe for failure. It is often used to advise someone on the attitude they should adopt depending on their circumstances.
మందైనా కావాలి, ముందైనా కావాలి
mandaina kavali, mundaina kavali
Either a medicine is needed, or a push is needed
This expression refers to a situation where a result can only be achieved through two specific means: either by treating the root cause (medicine) or by applying external pressure/motivation (a push). It is often used when someone is being stubborn or a task is stalled, suggesting that either a logical solution or a forceful nudge is required to get things moving.
కన్నతల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి వదలడు.
kannatalli bangaramaina kamsali vadaladu.
Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.
This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.
ఉన్న ఊరు కన్నతల్లి వంటిది.
unna uru kannatalli vantidi.
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.
గంటెడైనా బలవాలి, గాదెడైనా తిరగాలి
gantedaina balavali, gadedaina tiragali
Even if it is just a spoonful, it should give strength; even if it is a whole granary, it should be consumed.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, while also highlighting that resources are meant to be used. It suggests that a small amount of nutritious or high-quality food is better than a large amount of useless filler. In a broader sense, it means that whatever we possess should serve its purpose effectively.
విందైనా మందైనా మూన్నాళ్ళు.
vindaina mandaina munnallu.
Whether it is a feast or a medicine, it is for three days only.
This proverb is used to convey that both happiness (represented by a feast) and hardship (represented by taking medicine) are temporary. It suggests that any situation, good or bad, will typically lose its intensity or reach its conclusion in a short period. It is often used to advise someone not to overstay their welcome as a guest or to encourage someone enduring a difficult phase that it will soon pass.
రాజు కొడుకైనా కావాలి, సానిదాని తమ్ముడైనా కావాలి.
raju kodukaina kavali, sanidani tammudaina kavali.
One must either be the son of a king or the brother of a courtesan.
This proverb refers to the privilege of living a life of leisure and luxury without manual labor. It suggests that such a comfortable lifestyle is typically reserved for those born into royalty (power/wealth) or those who live off the earnings and influence of someone highly sought after (historically referring to the status of a 'Sani' or courtesan's family members who were often pampered). It is used to describe someone who enjoys benefits without working for them.