మాటలలో పడి మగనిని మరిచినట్లు

matalalo padi maganini marichinatlu

Translation

Like getting so lost in conversation that one forgets their husband.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets so distracted by trivial talk or secondary activities that they completely neglect their primary responsibility or the main purpose of their task.

Related Phrases

The one who falls into a whirlpool and the one who falls into a moat are both the same.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two different paths or choices lead to the same unfortunate result. It suggests that whether a problem is caused by nature (whirlpool) or man-made (moat), the consequence of being trapped or ruined remains identical.

Like pouring holy rice (talambralu) for a husband who is not interested.

This proverb describes a situation where effort is wasted on someone who does not value or want it. It refers to performing a ritual or doing a favor for someone who is fundamentally unwilling or indifferent, making the act futile and meaningless.

Like a lizard that fell into milk

This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.

Undigested food and a word that cannot be fulfilled.

This expression highlights two things that cause significant discomfort: undigested food causes physical pain, while a promise or word that cannot be fulfilled (an impossible commitment) causes mental stress and reputational damage. It is used to caution people against making promises they cannot keep or taking on more than they can handle.

The word of a husband who has no control is like the sting of a red ant.

This proverb describes a situation where a person's words or threats have no real impact or authority. Just as a red ant's sting causes temporary irritation but no lasting harm, the words of someone who lacks discipline, consistency, or power are ignored or dismissed by others as insignificant.

Will a fruit that doesn't ripen on its own, ripen if you kick it?

This proverb is used to explain that some things cannot be rushed or forced. Just as a fruit must mature naturally to be sweet, certain results, skills, or changes in behavior require time and internal readiness rather than external pressure or force.

Wild date-palm fiber bindings for the husband at home, and sturdy palmyra fiber bindings for the outsider.

This proverb describes a situation of hypocrisy or misplaced priorities where one treats their own family or relatives poorly while being overly generous, respectful, or formal with strangers. It is often used to criticize someone who neglects their household needs while putting on a grand show for the outside world.

Joint words are words that do not fit.

This proverb highlights the difficulty of collective decision-making or joint ventures. It suggests that when multiple people are involved in a partnership or discussion, reaching a consensus is often impossible because conflicting opinions and interests prevent a single, coherent resolution from fitting everyone involved.

That which heals is the medicine

This expression is used to convey that the effectiveness of a remedy or solution is what truly matters, regardless of its cost, origin, or reputation. If a treatment works and the ailment is cured, it is considered the right 'medicine'. It is often applied to situations where practical results are valued over theoretical perfection.

A courtesan's word is like a bundle found in a dream.

This proverb implies that promises or words spoken by someone who is primarily driven by self-interest or monetary gain (historically referring to courtesans) are unreliable and illusory. Just as a bundle of wealth found in a dream disappears upon waking, such promises have no value in reality.