కొడుకు మర్మం కన్న తల్లి కెరుకగాక, అడవిలో తిరిగే అయ్యకేమి తెలుసు

koduku marmam kanna talli kerukagaka, adavilo tirige ayyakemi telusu

Translation

Only the mother who gave birth knows the son's secrets; how would the father wandering in the forest know?

Meaning

This proverb highlights that a mother understands her child's true nature, hidden feelings, and secrets better than anyone else because of her close bond. It implies that those who are distant or preoccupied (like the father in the forest) cannot grasp the subtle intricacies of a person's character or situation.

Related Phrases

Like eating in a forest and wiping with a leaf.

This proverb refers to an act that is done without any trace or evidence left behind. It describes someone who completes an action—often something sneaky or selfish—and cleans up so thoroughly that no one would ever know it happened. It is commonly used to describe someone who takes advantage of a situation and disappears without a sign.

What does an ant know about the pain in the testicles?

This is a raw and blunt folk expression used to describe a situation where an outsider cannot possibly understand or empathize with the intense personal suffering or specific problems of another person. It highlights that someone who is not experiencing the hardship (or is the cause of it, like an ant bite) is oblivious to the actual depth of the victim's agony.

What does a pig know of the scent of rosewater?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement, taste, or intelligence to appreciate something valuable or sophisticated. It suggests that high-quality things are wasted on those who cannot understand their worth, similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

Until it hits the head, one knows nothing.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does not understand the severity or consequences of a situation until they personally suffer from it or until the problem becomes unavoidable. It is similar to the English expression 'to learn the hard way.'

What does a louse know about the itch on the back of the head?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the person causing the problem or suffering is completely indifferent to or unaware of the pain they are inflicting. It highlights the lack of empathy from a source of trouble toward its victim.

The hunger of a guest is known to the vessel (or the one serving).

This proverb implies that the true needs or struggles of a person are only understood by those who are directly responsible for them or those who have to bear the burden. It is often used to describe situations where outsiders make assumptions, but the actual difficulty is felt only by the person in charge or the one providing the service.

What does an ox know about the taste of flattened rice?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who lacks refinement, taste, or intelligence cannot appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

What does a donkey know about the scent of sandalwood powder?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks the refinement, knowledge, or aesthetic sense to appreciate the value or quality of something superior. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.'

What does a rustic man know of the fragrance of a screw-pine flower?

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks refinement or aesthetic sense and is therefore unable to appreciate the finer things in life. It is similar to the English expression 'casting pearls before swine.' It suggests that someone uncouth or uneducated cannot understand the value of something delicate, rare, or beautiful.

What does a young crow know about the blow of a slingstone?

This expression is used to describe an inexperienced or young person who talks boldly or dismissively about a danger or hardship they have never personally faced. It suggests that one cannot truly understand the gravity of a situation until they have experienced the consequences firsthand.