పెండ్లాము (భార్య) పాలిండ్లు రిక్త కుంభములు, రాయి వెలది చనుదోయి

pendlamu (bharya) palindlu rikta kumbhamulu, rayi veladi chanudoyi

Translation

A wife's breasts are empty jars; a beautiful woman's breasts are like stone.

Meaning

This expression is a philosophical or poetic reflection on the nature of desire and domesticity. It suggests that once a person becomes a spouse (domesticated), the physical attraction or allure might seem commonplace or 'empty' compared to the idealized or firm beauty of a stranger or a statue (stone). It is often used to describe the human tendency to undervalue what one possesses while romanticizing the unattainable or the external.

Related Phrases

When asked what is behind the pillar, they said it is a pot of food. Then, are there three grains for me?

This proverb describes a person who displays extreme greed or immediate self-interest. It is used to mock someone who, upon hearing about a large abundance of resources or food, instantly asks for their share without any shame or context.

A pot in the sky, and Monday within a Sunday.

This expression is used to describe something that is impossible, nonsensical, or a complete fabrication. It refers to situations where someone tells a lie or presents a scenario that defies logic, much like finding a physical pot in the vacuum of space or a Monday occurring inside a Sunday.

An empty mind is a breeding ground for desires.

This expression suggests that when a person's mind is idle or lacks fulfillment/purpose, it becomes overwhelmed with endless desires and distractions. It is often used to emphasize the importance of keeping one's mind occupied with meaningful work to avoid being led astray by petty or excessive wants.

Even if she is Rambha, there is no pleasure in holding her own breasts with her own hands.

This expression signifies that self-indulgence or self-praise lacks the fulfillment or validation that comes from others. It is used to convey that certain experiences or appreciations require a second party to be meaningful, emphasizing that one cannot derive true satisfaction solely from oneself in certain contexts.

A pot of poison with milk on the surface

This expression is used to describe a hypocritical person who appears sweet, kind, or friendly on the outside but harbors malice or evil intentions within. It is often used as a warning to be cautious of people who use flattering words to hide their true harmful nature.

The sleep of Kumbhakarna

Refers to a state of deep, long, or heavy sleep from which a person is very difficult to wake up. It originates from the Ramayana character Kumbhakarna, who was known for sleeping for six months at a time. It is used to describe someone who sleeps excessively or is extremely lazy.

Wife is jaggery, mother is a ghost.

This proverb is used to describe a person who prioritizes his wife and finds her sweet (like jaggery) while neglecting his mother or viewing her as a burden/troublemaker (like a ghost). It is typically used as a criticism of someone who forgets their filial duties after marriage.

Full pot

A 'Purnakumbham' is a traditional Indian vessel (usually copper or brass) filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and spiritual perfection. In Telugu culture, it is used to formally welcome honored guests, deities, or during auspicious ceremonies like housewarmings and weddings as a sign of respect and good fortune.

Your paternal uncle's wife is not your maternal aunt; your maternal uncle's wife is not your paternal aunt.

This proverb highlights the nuances of relationships and blood ties. It suggests that while people may hold certain titles or positions through marriage, they do not necessarily inherit the same biological significance or emotional depth as the original relative. It is often used to caution against expecting the same level of care or loyalty from relatives by marriage as one would from blood relatives.

Scam or Fraud

While literally referring to a famous temple town in Tamil Nadu, in common Telugu parlance, this term is used to describe a large-scale financial scandal, conspiracy, or fraudulent scheme involving high-stakes deception.