తల్లి చచ్చినా మేనమామ ఉంటే చాలు

talli chachchina menamama unte chalu

Translation

Even if the mother dies, it is enough if the maternal uncle is there.

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.