కట్టుకున్న భార్య అయినా చేయాలి, కన్నతల్లి అయినా చేయాలి
kattukunna bharya ayina cheyali, kannatalli ayina cheyali
Either the wedded wife must do it, or the mother who gave birth must do it.
This proverb highlights a traditional perspective on dependency and intimate care. It suggests that there are certain personal needs or household responsibilities so private or demanding that only the closest women in a man's life—his wife or his mother—would be willing or expected to perform them. It is often used to emphasize the importance of family bonds and the unique roles played by a mother and a spouse.
Related Phrases
బలవంతుని చేయి పడితే, బావి అయినా చూసుకోవాలి, చంక అయినా చేరాలి
balavantuni cheyi padite, bavi ayina chusukovali, chanka ayina cherali
When a strong man's hand falls on you, you must either look for a well or seek refuge in his armpit.
This proverb highlights the helplessness of the weak when confronted by a powerful person. It implies that when a dominant force exerts pressure, one's only options are extreme: either face total destruction (jumping into a well) or complete surrender and subservience (seeking shelter under their arm). It is used to describe situations where there is no middle ground or fair negotiation possible against someone with overwhelming power.
ఉడుము పోయినా చెయ్యి వస్తే చాలును.
udumu poyina cheyyi vaste chalunu.
Never mind if I lose the guana, if I get my hand out it's enough.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is willing to give up a potential gain or an asset just to escape from a dangerous or stuck position. It signifies that safety and liberation are more important than the original objective when things go wrong.
Said by a man whose hand had been caught by a guana in a hole. Catching a Tartar.
తల్లి అయినా ఏడవందే పాలివ్వదు
talli ayina edavande palivvadu
Even a mother will not give milk unless the baby cries.
This proverb is used to explain that nothing is achieved or gained without asking or putting in the necessary effort. Even those who care for you most may not fulfill your needs unless you express them. It is commonly used to motivate someone to speak up for their rights or requirements.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్టు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinattu
Like trying to make a sage but ending up with a cat instead.
This proverb describes a situation where one attempts to create or achieve something noble, grand, or highly skillful, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate turn of events, the end result turns out to be something trivial, inferior, or completely different. It is used to mock failed ambitious attempts.
సేవకునిలాగ చేయాలి, రాజులాగ అనుభవించాలి.
sevakunilaga cheyali, rajulaga anubhavinchali.
Work like a servant, enjoy like a king.
This proverb emphasizes the value of hard work and discipline. It suggests that one should put in tireless, humble effort during the working phase to achieve the prosperity and luxury required to live like royalty later.
ఉల్లి చేసిన మేలు తల్లి కూడా చేయదు
ulli chesina melu talli kuda cheyadu
Even a mother cannot do as much good as an onion does.
This is a popular Telugu proverb emphasizing the immense medicinal and health benefits of onions. It suggests that while a mother is the ultimate caretaker, the therapeutic properties of onions are so unique and powerful for the body that they are incomparable. It is used to encourage the consumption of onions for well-being.
నందిని పందిని చేయు
nandini pandini cheyu
Turning a bull into a pig.
This expression is used to describe someone who is highly skilled in manipulation, distortion of facts, or making absurd arguments to prove a false point. It refers to the ability to portray something as its complete opposite through clever but deceitful words.
అయ్యవారిని చెయ్యబోతే కోతి అయినట్లు
ayyavarini cheyyabote koti ayinatlu
His attempt to make [an image of] Ganêśa ended in [the moulding of] a monkey. Mud images of Ganêśa are made and worshipped on the 4th day of the light fortnight in the month Bhâdrapada (August—September). A ridiculous failure.
This proverb describes a situation where one's well-intentioned efforts or ambitious plans go wrong, resulting in a ridiculous or unintended outcome. It is used when someone tries to improve something or create something great but ends up making it worse or spoiling it completely due to lack of skill or poor execution.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా మట్టిపిల్లి అయినా ఎలుకను పట్టిందే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina mattipilli ayina elukanu pattinde pilli
Whether it is a wooden cat or a clay cat, the one that catches the mouse is the real cat.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the effectiveness or utility of a person or a tool is more important than its form, cost, or status. It is used to convey that the end result is what truly matters in evaluating a solution.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్లు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinatlu
When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).