పిల్లలున్నవారికీ, పన్నులున్న వాడికీ సిగ్గుండరాదు

pillalunnavariki, pannulunna vadiki siggundaradu

Translation

Those with children and those with debts should not have shame.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that people in certain responsibilities must set aside their pride or hesitation to get things done. Parents often have to ask for help or behave in ways they normally wouldn't for the sake of their children, and debtors must be humble and persistent while working to clear their obligations.

Related Phrases

Do not follow a person in debt, nor a person wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who might cause trouble or leave you behind. A debtor might flee suddenly to escape creditors, leading you into their mess, while someone with sandals can walk faster through rough terrain, potentially leaving you stranded or forcing you to keep an unsustainable pace.

Do not walk behind a debtor or someone wearing sandals.

This proverb warns against following people who are in a hurry or in trouble. A debtor is always running away from creditors, and someone with footwear can walk fast or tread on rough ground where you might not be able to keep up. It is used as a metaphor to advise staying away from people who are either fleeing their responsibilities or have an advantage that might lead you into difficult situations.

If the speaker has no shame, shouldn't the listener at least have some wisdom?

This proverb is used when someone is telling blatant lies, making absurd claims, or giving nonsensical advice. It suggests that even if the speaker is being unreasonable or shameless, the listener should use their own common sense and critical thinking to not be fooled.

Only the man who has deep affection/infatuation is a true husband.

This proverb emphasizes that a man's worth as a husband is defined by the love, care, and attraction he shows toward his wife, rather than just his title or authority. It is used to suggest that emotional devotion is the hallmark of a good spouse.

If the teller has no shame, shouldn't the listener have some common sense?

This expression is used when someone is telling blatant lies, making absurd claims, or giving bad advice. It suggests that even if the speaker is being unreasonable or shameless, the listener should use their own intelligence and discretion to evaluate the information rather than blindly believing or following it.

A house with boys and a forest with flame-of-the-forest trees are beautiful.

This traditional saying highlights that a household is vibrant and lively when there are children playing, just as a forest looks beautiful and bright when Moduga (Butea monosperma) flowers bloom. It is used to describe the joy and bustle children bring to a family.

A tree with leaves provides shade; a mother with a child has milk.

This proverb highlights natural law and the concept of preparedness or provision. Just as it is the inherent nature of a leafy tree to offer shade, a mother is naturally equipped to provide for her child's needs. It is used to describe situations where someone or something is naturally endowed with the resources required to fulfill their purpose or role.

A prostitute should have charm, and a housewife should have modesty.

This proverb highlights traditional societal expectations regarding behavior and presentation. It suggests that just as physical attractiveness and allure (niggu) are considered essential for a sex worker's profession, modesty and a sense of shame (siggu) are vital virtues for a woman leading a family life to maintain social respect and dignity.

Pinching the bottom and then singing a lullaby.

This expression describes a hypocritical or manipulative action where someone intentionally causes harm or distress to another person and then pretends to offer comfort or sympathy. It is often used to call out those who create a problem just to act as the savior later.

They served buns because I have no teeth; had I teeth, wouldn't I have eaten a pig?

This proverb is used to describe someone who makes grand, boastful claims about what they could have achieved if only they didn't have a minor limitation. It mocks people who use their current circumstances as an excuse for their lack of success, suggesting they would have done something extraordinary otherwise.