నాతికి వయసొచ్చిందంటే కనీసం కోతి మొగుడన్నా కావాలి.

natiki vayasochchindante kanisam koti mogudanna kavali.

Translation

When a woman comes of age, she needs at least a monkey for a husband.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes the traditional social pressure or necessity of marriage once a woman reaches maturity. It suggests that once a person reaches a certain stage or age, even a basic or less-than-ideal option is better than nothing, often used to highlight the urgency of settling down.

Related Phrases

Ten million skills are all for earning one’s livelihood.

The purpose, by and large, of acquisition of diverse special skills is only to make a living.

To the mother-in-law's house, one should go either as a son-in-law or as a bull.

This proverb is used sarcastically to describe someone who expects to be pampered and fed without doing any work. In traditional Telugu culture, a son-in-law is treated with extreme hospitality and never asked to work, while a 'Basavanna' (sacred bull) is fed and revered without labor. It is used to mock lazy individuals who overstay their welcome and expect royal treatment.

One should either be a courageous person or a humble person.

This expression suggests that in life, to survive or succeed, one must possess either the strength and courage (Dheerudu) to face challenges head-on or the humility and submissiveness (Deenudu) to seek help and stay protected. It implies that being stuck in the middle with an ego but no strength is a recipe for failure. It is often used to advise someone on the attitude they should adopt depending on their circumstances.

A well-fitting cold-water bath and a girl who has come of age.

This expression is used to describe things that are at their peak or perfect stage of development. It suggests that just as a bath feels best at the right temperature, a young woman reaching maturity represents a significant and vibrant stage of life. It is often used to highlight timeliness and the natural progression of things.

Either a medicine is needed, or a push is needed

This expression refers to a situation where a result can only be achieved through two specific means: either by treating the root cause (medicine) or by applying external pressure/motivation (a push). It is often used when someone is being stubborn or a task is stalled, suggesting that either a logical solution or a forceful nudge is required to get things moving.

I assumed he was Kamamma's husband; if you say he is not, then bring out the carrying-pole and pots.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone makes a bold or convenient assumption, but when challenged, they demand immediate proof or material evidence. It highlights the tendency of people to shift the burden of proof onto others or to act stubborn when their assumptions are questioned, often used in contexts where someone is trying to save face after a false claim.

When told that a bull has given birth, he asked to tie the calf in the shed.

This proverb describes a person who blindly reacts or believes something without thinking logically. Since a bull (male) cannot give birth, a rational person should question the statement first. Instead, the person in the proverb immediately suggests a next step, showing gullibility or a lack of common sense. It is used to mock people who follow instructions or rumors without verifying the facts.

One must be either a courageous person or a humble seeker.

This expression emphasizes that in life, one should either possess great courage and strength (Dheera) to face challenges independently or have the humility (Deena) to surrender and seek help or divine grace. It suggests that being in an indecisive middle ground or being arrogant without strength leads to failure.

One must either be the son of a king or the brother of a courtesan.

This proverb refers to the privilege of living a life of leisure and luxury without manual labor. It suggests that such a comfortable lifestyle is typically reserved for those born into royalty (power/wealth) or those who live off the earnings and influence of someone highly sought after (historically referring to the status of a 'Sani' or courtesan's family members who were often pampered). It is used to describe someone who enjoys benefits without working for them.

[Placing] a guard over a forest. Attempting impossibilities.

This phrase refers to a person who is assigned to watch over a specific corner or a border area. In a broader metaphorical sense, it is often used to describe someone who is protective of their territory or a person who holds a position of oversight in a specific niche or remote area.