ముదిత చను మెత్తనైనా, అధికారం మెత్తనైనా రోతురు

mudita chanu mettanaina, adhikaram mettanaina roturu

Translation

If a woman's breast is soft, or if authority is soft, people will despise it.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that just as softness is expected in some contexts, in administration or leadership, being too 'soft' or lenient leads to a loss of respect. It implies that a ruler or person in power must be firm to maintain order, otherwise, the subjects or subordinates will disregard their authority.

Related Phrases

There is no softness in a sword, and no goodness in a mother-in-law.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe situations where something is inherently harsh or impossible to find. Just as a blade cannot be soft by its very nature, the proverb suggestively reflects the stereotypical historical tension in households where a mother-in-law is never satisfied with her daughter-in-law, no matter how hard she tries.

Either be a beggar or a millionaire.

This proverb suggests that in life, it is better to be at one extreme or the other rather than being stuck in the middle. It emphasizes that both a person with nothing to lose and a person with immense resources have a certain type of freedom or power, whereas those in the middle often face the most struggles and anxieties.

The days of bedding are gone, the days of straw have come. The reverses of fortune.

This expression is used to describe a transition from a period of prosperity, ease, or high quality to a period of hardship, low quality, or difficult times. It signifies that the 'golden days' are over and one must now deal with inferior or challenging circumstances.

Even if it is a detour, a dry path is better.

This proverb suggests that it is better to take a longer, safer, and more reliable route (or method) rather than a shortcut that is dangerous or difficult. It emphasizes choosing safety and certainty over speed.

The soft/gentle days are gone, and the trashy/difficult days have arrived.

This expression is used to describe a transition from a period of prosperity, comfort, and easy living to a period of hardship, low quality, or unfavorable conditions. It highlights a decline in the standard or quality of life or circumstances.

A mother-in-law is never soft, and a knife is never soft.

This proverb is used to describe relationships or objects that are inherently sharp or harsh by nature. It suggests that just as a knife's purpose is to cut and it cannot be blunt or soft, a mother-in-law (in traditional contexts) is expected to be strict or demanding, and one should not expect otherwise.

If the earth and sky become one, where is the life for humans?

This expression is used to describe a catastrophic or overwhelming situation where everything is in chaos. It implies that when natural order is disrupted or when massive troubles converge from all sides, survival becomes impossible. It is often used to describe extreme weather like heavy rains or a series of great misfortunes.

Seeds must be sown in the right season, even if it is only in a dream.

This proverb emphasizes the critical importance of timing and punctuality. It suggests that certain tasks must be performed during their designated time to be successful. Even if one is unable to do it physically, the intent and preparation should be there, highlighting that missing a seasonal opportunity leads to failure.

There is no softness in a sword, nor goodness in a mother-in- law.

This is a traditional proverb used to describe situations or relationships that are inherently difficult or sharp by nature. Just as a knife cannot fulfill its purpose if it is soft, the proverb suggests that the relationship with a mother-in-law is traditionally expected to be strict or stern rather than purely 'soft' or 'kind'. It is often used to comment on the inevitable friction in certain roles or power dynamics.

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Hard tongue, soft heart

This expression describes a person who speaks harshly or bluntly but possesses a very kind, compassionate, and gentle nature internally. It is used to characterize someone whose outward behavior might seem rude or strict, yet their intentions and character are deeply caring.