సన్యాసి పెళ్ళాం అటు విధవ కాదు, ఇటు పుణ్యస్త్రీ కాదు

sanyasi pellam atu vidhava kadu, itu punyastri kadu

Translation

An ascetic's wife is neither a widow nor a married woman with a husband.

Meaning

This expression refers to a person who is stuck in a state of limbo or an ambiguous situation where they cannot benefit from either side of a status. Just as a Sanyasi (ascetic) is alive but has renounced the world, his wife remains technically married but cannot enjoy the companionship or status of a normal married life, yet she isn't a widow either. It is used to describe situations where someone is neither here nor there, lacking a clear identity or benefit.

Related Phrases

Gaṇṭeśa's rice-balls are not cakes, Ūda is not grain. Ūda is the Panicum Flavidum.

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that is mediocre or falls between categories, lacking the distinct quality of either. It refers to items that are considered inferior or 'neither here nor there' in terms of status or utility.

The wedding locket, the beads, and the turmeric are all just for the sake of sanctity.

This expression is typically used to describe a situation where one performs duties or maintains appearances solely for the sake of tradition, honor, or sanctity, often implying that there is no deeper benefit or joy beyond fulfilling the basic requirements of a role or relationship. It highlights the sacrifices made to uphold the sacredness of a bond.

A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger.

This expression is used to emphasize that things or people have their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or entirely different just by imitation or wishful thinking.

Neither a widow, nor a married woman. Said by a man kept in suspense, neither granted nor refused a request, and not knowing whether he was to be as fortunate as a married woman or as unfortunate as a widow.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is in an ambiguous or uncertain state, belonging to neither of two distinct categories. It often refers to a person who lacks a clear identity or a situation that remains unresolved and 'in-between.'

When two monks rub against each other, only ash falls off.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing to offer or no resources interact with each other. It signifies that the outcome of a collaboration between two needy or empty-handed individuals will result in nothing of value. It is often used to mock a partnership that lacks substance or potential for profit.

When two ascetics rub against each other, only ash falls.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two people who have nothing or no resources interact, resulting in no gain for either party. It implies that a conflict or collaboration between two poor or unproductive individuals is a waste of time as neither has anything of value to offer the other.

The ethics of a prostitute, the caste of a monk.

This proverb is used to describe things that are non-existent or irrelevant. It suggests that just as one does not look for moral character (ethics) in a prostitute's profession or a specific lineage (caste) in a monk who has renounced worldly ties, it is futile to search for certain qualities in people or situations where they naturally cannot exist.

Neither a widow nor a married woman with a living husband.

This expression refers to a person or a situation that is in a state of limbo or ambiguity, not belonging to one clear category or another. It is used to describe something that is neither here nor there, often implying a lack of clear identity, status, or decision.

The husband of two wives died from being squeezed in between.

This proverb describes the plight of a person caught between two conflicting parties or demanding situations, making it impossible to satisfy both. It is commonly used to highlight the struggle of someone who loses their peace or identity while trying to balance the needs or arguments of two equally dominant people.

Like a bat, neither a bird nor an animal.

This expression refers to a person who is indecisive or caught between two conflicting sides, belonging to neither. It is used to describe someone who lacks a clear identity, takes a neutral stance for convenience, or is excluded from both groups due to their ambiguous nature.