ముద్దు చేసిన కుక్క మూతి నాకును, చనువు ఇచ్చిన భార్య చంకలెక్కును

muddu chesina kukka muti nakunu, chanuvu ichchina bharya chankalekkunu

Translation

A pampered dog licks your mouth; a wife given too much liberty climbs on your shoulders.

Meaning

This traditional proverb is used to warn against over-pampering or failing to set boundaries. It suggests that excessive affection or freedom without discipline can lead to people (or pets) overstepping their limits and losing respect for authority.

Related Phrases

If you give freedom, the wife will climb on your shoulder

This proverb is used to warn that giving too much liberty or being overly lenient with someone can lead to them becoming disrespectful or taking undue advantage of the situation. It describes a scenario where kindness is mistaken for weakness.

The dog that was pampered bit the snout (face).

This proverb describes a situation where someone who was treated with excessive affection or leniency turns around and causes harm or shows disrespect to their benefactor. It is used to warn against the dangers of over-pampering or being too indulgent with people who lack character or discipline, as they may eventually take advantage of that kindness.

What the body does and what the mind does will result in good.

This expression reflects a philosophical or fatalistic outlook, suggesting that whatever happens—whether driven by physical actions or mental intentions—is ultimately for the best or part of a larger destiny. It is often used to provide consolation during unexpected outcomes or to emphasize that things work out for the better in the long run.

Sin is removed by confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends. A sin confessed is half forgiven. (Italian.)

This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability. It suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes or wrongdoings openly helps in reducing the burden of guilt and paves the way for forgiveness or self-correction. It is used to encourage people to be honest about their faults rather than hiding them.

There is no questioning the actions of a king or of Râma.

This expression is used to highlight that ordinary greatness cannot be compared to divine or absolute righteousness. It implies that while a king acts based on power or politics, Rama's actions were governed by 'Dharma' (morality). It is used when comparing two things where one is clearly superior in quality or character.

The sin committed by oneself stays with the body, the sin committed by the mother stays with the earth.

This proverb highlights the gravity and consequences of actions. It suggests that while an individual's personal mistakes or sins affect their own physical being or life journey, a mother's actions have a much broader, foundational impact on the lineage or the environment. It is often used to emphasize accountability and the lasting legacy of one's deeds.

Decoration done to a corpse, service rendered to a royal palace.

This proverb highlights tasks that are futile and result in no appreciation or lasting benefit. Just as decorating a corpse is useless because the body is lifeless, working for a royal palace (or a fickle authority) often goes unrewarded and unrecognized, regardless of the effort put in. It is used to describe thankless jobs or wasted labor.

One who has committed a mistake and one who has taken a debt cannot show their faces.

This proverb highlights the feelings of guilt and shame. Just as a person who owes money avoids the lender out of embarrassment, a person who has done something wrong lacks the courage or confidence to face others directly. It is used to describe the loss of dignity or boldness resulting from wrong actions or financial burdens.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

Like trying to make a lump out of mustard seeds

This expression is used to describe an impossible or extremely difficult task involving bringing together people or things that have a tendency to scatter or remain individualistic. Just as tiny, round mustard seeds roll away and cannot be easily formed into a solid ball, it refers to the difficulty of achieving unity or consensus among a group of disjointed entities.