ముసలివాడికి ముండ ముద్దు

musalivadiki munda muddu

Translation

An old man is fond of women.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how people's preferences or attachments change with age or vulnerability. It suggests that someone in a weak or advanced stage of life finds comfort or affection in things that others might overlook or find plain, often implying that simplicity or basic companionship becomes more valuable than vanity in one's later years.

Notes

* On ne saurait faire boire un âne s'il n'a pas soif. † Man kan nœde en Mand till at blunde, men ikke til at sove.

Related Phrases

Even if he is old, Basireddy is better

This expression is used to suggest that an experienced person, despite their age or current limitations, is still more capable or reliable than an inexperienced person. It emphasizes that quality and experience hold value over time.

An old man is fond of a young widow

This proverb describes a situation where an elderly person becomes overly attached to or obsessed with someone or something unsuitable or inappropriate for their age. It is often used to criticize elderly men who pursue younger women, or more broadly, to point out the irony of developing new, intense cravings at a late stage in life when they should be focused on other matters.

An old man's word is like a thornless path.

This proverb emphasizes that the advice given by experienced elders is safe, wise, and reliable. Following their guidance helps one avoid unnecessary difficulties or 'thorns' in life's journey, leading to a smoother and more successful path.

Three times the troubles in old age.

This expression refers to the immense hardships, health issues, and dependencies that often plague a person during their old age. It is used to describe a situation where one faces constant, overwhelming difficulties during the final stages of life.

If the husband calls his wife a widow, the beggar who comes to the door will also call her a widow.

This proverb highlights that if a family member (especially a protector) treats their own kin with disrespect or demeans them in public, outsiders will feel emboldened to do the same. It is used to advise that one must maintain dignity and respect within the family to ensure the world respects them as well.

One's own child is beautiful to them

This proverb is used to express that people always find their own possessions, family members, or creations to be the best and most beautiful, regardless of their objective quality. It is similar to the English expression 'Every potter praises his own pot' or 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'

There is no such thing as an old buffalo or an old Yenadi (tribesman).

This proverb is used to describe individuals who maintain their strength, productivity, or work capacity regardless of their age. It implies that certain beings remain robust and useful until the very end, suggesting that age is just a number for those with a strong constitution or work ethic.

Why does an old widow need suppressed, coy smiles?

This proverb is used to criticize someone who behaves inappropriately or flirtatiously at an age or in a situation where such behavior is considered undignified or unnecessary. It serves as a sarcastic remark about acting out of character for one's age or status.

Did the auspicious wedding time come first, or did the palanquin arrive first?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is caught up in trivial or logistical details (like the arrival of a transport palanquin) while overlooking the primary, essential event (the wedding timing itself). It refers to poor prioritization or unnecessary confusion regarding the order of events.

While the pampered child cried for gruel, the old man cried for a widow.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is a serious crisis or a basic need (represented by the child's hunger), but someone else is focused on inappropriate, selfish, or absurd desires that are completely out of place given the circumstances.