తల్లి చచ్చినా మేనమామ ఉంటే చాలు
talli chachchina menamama unte chalu
Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.
In Telugu culture, the maternal uncle (menamama) holds a position of great responsibility and affection, often seen as a protective surrogate for the mother. This proverb emphasizes that even in the absence of a mother, a maternal uncle can provide the necessary support, guidance, and security to a child.
Related Phrases
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
చాలుపై చాలు దున్నితే చచ్చు చేనైనా పండుతుంది
chalupai chalu dunnite chachchu chenaina pandutundi
If you plough furrow upon furrow, even a lifeless field will yield a harvest.
This proverb emphasizes the power of persistence and hard work. It suggests that consistent, repeated effort can turn a failure or a barren situation into a success. Just as repeatedly ploughing the same land improves its fertility, constant practice and dedication lead to results in any endeavor.
తన తల్లి చావుకన్నా పిన తల్లి చావు మేలు.
tana talli chavukanna pina talli chavu melu.
The death of an aunt is better than the death of a mother.
This proverb is used to highlight the difference in the magnitude of loss. It suggests that while any loss is unfortunate, the loss of someone closer or more essential (like a mother) is far more devastating than the loss of someone relatively less central (like a stepmother or aunt). It is often used to prioritize or compare two negative outcomes, indicating that one is comparatively more bearable than the other.
హస్తీ చచ్చినా దంతాలు దొరికితే చాలు
hasti chachchina dantalu dorikite chalu
Even if the elephant dies, it is enough if the tusks are found.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where, despite a great loss or failure, something of significant value is still recovered. It highlights the idea that even in destruction, some inherent worth remains. It is often applied to wealthy people or great institutions that, even when ruined, still retain some of their former glory or assets.
చాలువై చాలు దున్నితే చచ్చు చేనైనా పండుతుంది.
chaluvai chalu dunnite chachchu chenaina pandutundi.
If you plow along the same furrow repeatedly, even a dead field will yield crops.
This proverb emphasizes the importance of persistence, consistency, and hard work. It suggests that by repeatedly putting effort into a task—even one that seems hopeless or unproductive—success can eventually be achieved.
తల్లి పుట్టిల్లు మేనమామ ఎరగడా?
talli puttillu menamama eragada?
Doesn't the maternal uncle know his own mother's birth home?
This proverb is used when someone tries to explain or describe something to a person who already knows it inside out. It highlights the irony of telling someone about their own roots, expertise, or a situation they are intimately familiar with.
తల్లి వెనుక మేనమామ
talli venuka menamama
The maternal uncle comes after the mother.
This expression highlights the significance and priority given to the maternal uncle (mother's brother) in a child's life and within the family hierarchy. After the mother, the maternal uncle is traditionally considered the most important guardian and support system in many Telugu households, especially regarding cultural rituals and protection.
తల్లి పుట్టిల్లు మేనమామ వద్ద పొగడినట్లు
talli puttillu menamama vadda pogadinatlu
Like praising a mother's maternal home in front of the maternal uncle.
This expression describes a situation where someone tells a person something they already know very well, or tries to 'enlighten' someone on a topic they are an expert in. Since the uncle grew up in that very house, praising it to him is redundant and unnecessary.
తల్లి చస్తే నాలుక చచ్చినట్లు, తండ్రి చస్తే కళ్ళు పోయినట్లు
talli chaste naluka chachchinatlu, tandri chaste kallu poyinatlu
When the mother dies, it is like the tongue dying; when the father dies, it is like losing one's eyes.
This proverb highlights the specific roles parents play in a child's life. A mother is associated with food and taste (the tongue), meaning her absence leads to a lack of nourishment and care. A father is seen as the guide and protector (the eyes), meaning his absence leaves the family without direction or security in the world.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.