తల్లి కడుపు చూచును, పెళ్ళాం వీపు చూచును.
talli kadupu chuchunu, pellam vipu chuchunu.
A mother looks at the stomach; a wife looks at the back.
This proverb contrasts the nature of love and expectations. A mother's concern is primarily for her child's well-being and whether they have eaten (the stomach), reflecting selfless care. In contrast, a wife is traditionally depicted as looking at the 'back' to see what her husband has brought home (burdens or earnings), symbolizing the practical expectations and responsibilities within a marriage.
Related Phrases
కడి గండం కాచును, వత్తి మిత్తి కాచును.
kadi gandam kachunu, vatti mitti kachunu.
The silver ring protects from danger; the wick protects from death.
This is an old Telugu saying related to superstitious beliefs and traditional medicine. It suggests that wearing a silver ring (kadi) can ward off accidents or evil eyes, while a medicinal wick or oil lamp (vatti) can prevent death or severe illness. It is used to highlight how small traditional remedies or protective charms are believed to save one from great calamities.
తల్లిని చూసి పిల్లను, పల్లును చూసి పశువును కొనాలి
tallini chusi pillanu, pallunu chusi pashuvunu konali
Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the teeth before buying the cattle.
This proverb advises that one can judge the character, health, and future potential of something by looking at its origins or physical indicators. Just as a mother's traits often reflect in her child, or a cow's teeth indicate its age and health, we should evaluate the background and fundamental health of an entity before making a commitment.
తల్లి కడుపు చూచును, పెళ్లాము వీపు చూచును
talli kadupu chuchunu, pellamu vipu chuchunu
The mother will look at his belly the wife at his back. The mother will look to see how her son fares, the wife to see what her husband has brought home for her. Come but come stooping.
This proverb contrasts the different perspectives of love and dependency. A mother's love is selfless, worrying if her child has eaten enough (stomach), whereas a wife's perspective (historically in this context) might be focused on the provisions or earnings the husband brings home (the load on the back). It highlights the transition from being cared for to having responsibilities.
* 'Ακέφαλος μυθος. † II domandar costa poco.
కాలము పోవును, మాట నిలుచును.
kalamu povunu, mata niluchunu.
Time passes, but the word remains.
This expression emphasizes the lasting impact of one's words compared to the fleeting nature of time. It is used to remind someone to be careful with their speech or promises, as people will remember what was said long after the moment has passed.
పాము కరచును, అరవ చెరచును.
pamu karachunu, arava cherachunu.
A snake bites; a scream (or commotion) spoils.
This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.
చంకలు చూసుకొని సంబరపడితేనే సరా, ముందరి పాటు చూసుకో అన్నాడట
chankalu chusukoni sambarapaditene sara, mundari patu chusuko annadata
Is it enough to just look at your armpits and feel happy? Look at the road ahead, he said.
This expression is used to caution someone who is overly confident or celebrating a small success without considering the future challenges or the difficult journey ahead. It highlights the foolishness of being self-satisfied while ignoring upcoming obstacles.
ప్రదక్షిణాలు చేస్తే బిడ్డలు పుడతారంటే, చుట్టు చుట్టుకు కడుపు చూచుకొన్నదట
pradakshinalu cheste biddalu pudatarante, chuttu chuttuku kadupu chuchukonnadata
When told that circumambulations result in children, she checked her belly after every single round
This proverb mocks extreme impatience or the expectation of immediate results for a long-term process. It describes a person who expects an instant reward the moment they start a task, failing to understand that certain goals require time, patience, and consistent effort.
విడిచిన ఎద్దు కొట్టందారి చూచును
vidichina eddu kottandari chuchunu
A released ox looks toward the path of the shed.
This proverb describes a tendency of living beings to return to familiar habits or their original place of shelter even after being granted freedom. It is often used to refer to someone who, despite having no more obligations or restrictions, reverts to their old routine or returns home out of instinct or comfort.
ఒడుపు చేత కడుపు చేసుకొనట్లు.
odupu cheta kadupu chesukonatlu.
Like filling one's stomach through skillful tactics.
This expression refers to someone who is resourceful and makes a living or gains benefits through their cleverness, skill, or tactful maneuvering rather than just hard labor. It describes the art of managing situations to one's advantage.
వడ్డీ ఆశ మొదలు చెరుచును, గుడ్డిది ఆలయితే కుండలు చెరుచును
vaddi asha modalu cheruchunu, guddidi alayite kundalu cheruchunu
By seeking usury, the principal suffers; if the wife be blind, the pots suffer.
This proverb warns that excessive greed for small gains (interest) can lead to the loss of the original investment (principal). It uses a parallel metaphor to suggest that placing someone incompetent or incapable in a vital role (like a blind person managing a kitchen) will result in collateral damage and loss of resources.