కూతురికి మంగళవారం శుక్రవారం, కోడలికి దియ్యలు దియ్యలు.
kuturiki mangalavaram shukravaram, kodaliki diyyalu diyyalu.
[ I only anoint ] my daughter on Tuesdays and Fridays, but [ I anoint ] my daughter-in-law every Diyyalu. A catch. Diyyalu or Dipāvali is a feast held on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month Āsvayuja (October-November) on which occasion anointing the body with oil is indispensable. The "every Dipāvali" of the mother-in-law therefore only amounted to once a year, but she took better care of her own daughter.
This proverb highlights the double standards or hypocrisy often found in family dynamics. In traditional Hindu households, Tuesdays and Fridays are auspicious days when women are expected to refrain from heavy chores or travel. The saying suggests that a mother-in-law allows her own daughter to rest or follow customs on these days, while demanding the daughter-in-law work tirelessly as if every day is the same, or even harsher.
* Gratia gratiam parit.
Related Phrases
తనుసొమ్ము సోమవారం, మందిసొమ్ము మంగళవారం
tanusommu somavaram, mandisommu mangalavaram
One's own money on Monday, others' money on Tuesday
This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (Monday), but becomes incredibly reckless and extravagant when spending money belonging to others or the public (Tuesday). It is used to criticize those who do not value others' wealth as much as their own.
వాస్తుగలవారి కోడలు వరహా ఇచ్చి క్షవరం చేయించుకున్నదట.
vastugalavari kodalu varaha ichchi kshavaram cheyinchukunnadata.
The daughter-in-law of a wealthy person supposedly paid a gold coin for a haircut.
This proverb is used to describe people who waste money extravagantly just to show off their status or wealth, often paying far more than what a service or item is actually worth. It highlights vanity and the lack of financial prudence in those trying to maintain a high social image.
శుక్రవారం నాడు తన సొమ్ము, మంగళవారం నాడు మంది సొమ్ము దాచుకోవాలట
shukravaram nadu tana sommu, mangalavaram nadu mandi sommu dachukovalata
One should save their own money on Friday and others' money on Tuesday.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocritical or selfish behavior. It describes a person who is very careful with their own wealth but is quick to hide or appropriate wealth belonging to others. It mocks the tendency of people to be stingy with their own assets while being greedy or dishonest regarding common or someone else's resources.
విత్తుటకు శుక్రవారం, కోతకు గురువారం.
vittutaku shukravaram, kotaku guruvaram.
Friday for sowing, Thursday for harvesting.
This is a traditional agricultural proverb highlighting the cultural and astrological significance of specific days for farming activities. It suggests that Friday is auspicious for planting seeds, while Thursday is considered the best day to begin the harvest for prosperity and success.
తన సొమ్ము సోమవారం, మంది సొమ్ము మంగళవారం.
tana sommu somavaram, mandi sommu mangalavaram.
One's own money is Monday, others' money is Tuesday.
This proverb describes a hypocritical or selfish attitude towards money and resources. It refers to a person who is very stingy and careful when spending their own money (saving it for later), but very reckless or eager when spending money belonging to others. It is used to criticize someone who takes advantage of others' generosity while being miserly themselves.
చూడ వచ్చిన వారికి శుక్రవారమేమి?
chuda vachchina variki shukravaramemi?
What is Friday to visitors ? If a married woman goes away from a house on Friday, the Hindus say that the goddess of fortune quits the house with her. The above is an excuse made by a casual visitor, who wished to get away. Lame excuses.
This proverb is used to criticize people who overstay their welcome or visit at inappropriate times without considering the convenience or the specific customs/taboos of the host (as Friday is traditionally a busy or sacred day for rituals in Telugu households). It highlights a lack of common sense or courtesy in guests.
సోమవారం వాగ్దానం మంగళవారం తొంటిచెయ్యి
somavaram vagdanam mangalavaram tonticheyyi
A promise on Monday, a refusal on Tuesday
This proverb describes someone who is unreliable or fickle. It refers to a person who makes a grand promise one day and backs out or makes excuses the very next day. It is used to caution against trusting people who are quick to commit but fail to follow through.
వాస్తుగలవారి కోడలు వరహా ఇచ్చి క్షవరం చేయించుకుందట.
vastugalavari kodalu varaha ichchi kshavaram cheyinchukundata.
The daughter-in-law of a wealthy/fortunate family supposedly paid a gold coin for a haircut.
This proverb is used to mock people who waste money extravagantly on cheap or simple tasks just to show off their status or wealth. It refers to unnecessary vanity and the lack of financial sense in those who possess inherited fortune.
సోమవారం శుభలక్ష్మి మంగళవారం మహాలక్ష్మి
somavaram shubhalakshmi mangalavaram mahalakshmi
Monday is Shuba Lakshmi, Tuesday is Maha Lakshmi
This phrase is typically used by street vendors, beggars, or traditional performers to praise potential donors or customers on specific days of the week. It suggests that since the day is auspicious (Monday or Tuesday), the person giving charity or making a purchase will be blessed with prosperity and wealth. It is a form of rhythmic flattery used to encourage generosity.
శుక్రవారం శక్తిపూజ, శనివారం శివపూజ
shukravaram shaktipuja, shanivaram shivapuja
Worshiping Shakti on Friday and Shiva on Saturday
This expression refers to the traditional Hindu practice of dedicating specific days of the week to specific deities. Friday is considered auspicious for Goddess Lakshmi or Shakti (representing prosperity and power), while Saturday is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Shani (to ward off obstacles and seek spiritual strength). It reflects a disciplined and ritualistic way of life.