ముండ కొడుకే కొడుకు, రాజు కొడుకే కొడుకు

This proverb highlights the vulnerability of relying on a single source of support. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending solely on one child or a single plan is risky because if that one fails, there is no backup or alternative support system.

This expression is used to highlight hereditary traits, behaviors, or similarities between a father and his son. It implies that the son is naturally expected to behave exactly like his father, whether in a positive sense (excellence, skill) or a negative one (stubbornness, bad habits).

Like father, like son. Such a father, such a son. (Portuguese.)* He is his father's son. (Latin.)†

This proverb highlights the vulnerability and risk associated with having only one of something essential. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending on an only child (traditionally for lineage or support) is considered risky because if something happens to them, there is no backup. It is used to describe situations where a single point of failure exists.

This rhetorical question is used to imply that a son naturally inherits the qualities, character, or reputation of his father. It is typically used when someone displays a trait (either good or bad) that is very similar to their father's known behavior, essentially meaning 'Like father, like son'.

This proverb highlights the importance of having influence or survival skills to navigate the world. A king's son has power and resources through his status, while a widow's son is often perceived as someone who has grown up tough, resourceful, and street-smart out of necessity. It implies that to succeed or get things done, one needs either authority or grit.

This proverb suggests that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as losing one's only eye leads to total blindness, depending on an only child (or a single point of failure) leaves one vulnerable. It is used to emphasize the importance of backups, security, or having multiple supports in life.

This proverb reflects a cynical or traditional social observation about how sons often change their priorities or distance themselves from their parents after getting married. It is used to express the disappointment of parents who feel neglected by their sons due to the influence of their wives (daughters-in-law).

This proverb emphasizes that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as a single tree cannot provide the shade or abundance of an entire forest/grove, having only one child (in a traditional context) or one plan was seen as precarious because if that one fails, there is no backup or support system.

This proverb is used to describe a person who grows up without discipline or a strong guiding authority figure. Just as a bull without a nose rope (mukudaram) is wild and uncontrollable, a child raised without firm guidance or supervision is perceived to grow up stubborn, disobedient, and wayward.

This proverb is used to describe a biased attitude where parents overlook their own son's faults or give him excessive credit while being overly critical, dismissive, or demanding toward the daughter-in-law. It highlights the unequal treatment and double standards often found in family dynamics.