నేను లేకపోతే ఎవరిని పెళ్లాడుదువు అంటే, నీ అబ్బంటోడు ఇంకొకడు పుట్టి ఉంటాడు అన్నదట.

nenu lekapote evarini pelladuduvu ante, ni abbantodu inkokadu putti untadu annadata.

Translation

When asked 'Who would you have married if not for me?', she replied 'Someone just like your father's son would have been born'.

Meaning

This proverb is used to deflate someone's ego when they think they are indispensable or unique. It suggests that the world doesn't stop for one person and a suitable replacement or a similar person will always be available to fill a role.

Related Phrases

When asked if he would take the Bhagavad Gita, he said his stomach was full and he couldn't eat anymore.

This expression is used to mock someone's extreme ignorance or lack of common sense. It describes a person who doesn't understand the context of what is being offered, thinking that even a sacred book like the Bhagavad Gita is something to be eaten just because they were asked to 'take' (accept) it.

If a husband is not there, then the elder sister's husband; if a curry is not there, then dal.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone settles for a substitute or an alternative when the original or preferred choice is unavailable. It highlights the human tendency to find a replacement, sometimes even an inappropriate or simplified one, just to fill a void.

When the grandfather was asked whether he would like to be married, he said, " Who will give me [ a daughter, ] my boy?"

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is secretly very eager or desperate for something, but pretends to be hesitant or realistic about the obstacles. It highlights a hidden desire that is immediately revealed when a suggestion is made, often used to mock someone who is overly willing despite their age or circumstances.

If you have no common food, [give me] the best; if you have no common cloth, [give me] a silk one.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe someone who, when they lack basic necessities, demands or expects high-end luxuries instead of seeking practical alternatives. It highlights the irony of having extravagant tastes or unrealistic expectations while being in a state of poverty or deprivation.

Said by an impertinent beggar when refused assistance by a stingy person.

One is Ilvala and the other is Vatapi

This expression is used to describe a pair of people who are equally wicked, cunning, or dangerous and work together to deceive or harm others. It originates from the story of two demon brothers in Hindu mythology who collaborated to kill travelers.

If it comes for free, he said he has another person of his own.

This proverb is used to describe human greed. It refers to a person who, upon finding something available for free, immediately tries to claim more for their family or associates, rather than being satisfied with what is given. It is used to mock people who exploit generosity or freebies.

When a wife said "If I had not been born, you would not have had a wife," the husband replied "If you had not been born, I should have married your mother." i. e. a better woman.

This is a witty and biting comeback used to silence someone who is being overly boastful or arrogant about their importance in a situation. It highlights that no one is indispensable and that there are always alternatives, even if the alternatives suggested are humorous or absurdly provocative.

If you won't do it, your father will. i. e. a better person.

This is a sarcastic or mocking expression used to highlight that if one person is unable or unwilling to do something, someone else (often their father or a relative) will inevitably take their place or be held responsible. It is often used to dismiss someone's self-importance or to suggest that everyone is replaceable.

One who hides behind a pillar, one who goes away, and one who never returns once gone.

This is a riddle describing the three main functions of a human being: The pillar-hider is the body (which stays in one place), the one who goes is the breath (inhaling and exhaling), and the one who never returns once gone is the life force or soul (Atma). It is used in philosophical or spiritual contexts to reflect on the transient nature of life.

When she said 'If I hadn't been born, you wouldn't have had a wife at all', he replied 'If you hadn't been born, I would have married your mother'.

This is a humorous and sarcastic Telugu proverb used to describe a witty or sharp-tongued retort to an arrogant or self-important claim. It highlights how someone's attempt to show their indispensability can be met with a crushing and absurd counter-argument, often used to silence someone who is bragging about their role in a situation.