తల్లికి కాకపోతే తులసికి దణ్ణం పెట్టమన్నారు
talliki kakapote tulasiki dannam pettamannaru
If not to your mother, they said to pray to the Tulasi plant
This proverb emphasizes the importance of gratitude and reverence. It suggests that if one cannot show respect or devotion to their own mother (the primary giver of life), they should at least show it to the sacred Tulasi plant, which is considered a universal mother figure in culture. It is used to remind someone to maintain a sense of spirituality or basic respect even if they fail in their primary duties.
Related Phrases
తన ముడ్డి కాకపోతే గంగదాకా దేకుమన్నట్టు.
tana muddi kakapote gangadaka dekumannattu.
If not on my posteriors, crawl as far as Kâsi (Benares).
This is a blunt and slightly vulgar proverb used to describe people who are indifferent to others' suffering or effort because it doesn't affect them personally. It highlights how people give reckless or difficult advice to others when they have no 'skin in the game' or when they don't have to face the consequences themselves.
తల్లికి కానివాడు దాదికవునా
talliki kanivadu dadikavuna
Will he who is disliked by his mother, be liked by his nurse?
This proverb is used to point out that if a person fails to fulfill their duties or show respect to those closest to them (like their own parents), they cannot be trusted to be faithful or caring toward others. It highlights that character is consistent, and one who neglects primary relationships will likely neglect secondary ones as well.
ఢిల్లీకి రాజైనా తల్లికి కొడుకే.
dhilliki rajaina talliki koduke.
Even if he is the King of Delhi, he is still a son to his mother.
This proverb emphasizes that no matter how powerful, wealthy, or successful a person becomes in the world, their status remains the same within the family, especially towards their mother. It is used to teach humility and to remind people that their roots and primary relationships remain unchanged by worldly achievements.
అన్నం పెట్టినవారింటికి కన్నము పెట్టినట్లు
annam pettinavarintiki kannamu pettinatlu
Like breaking into the house of the person who fed you.
This expression describes extreme ingratitude or betrayal. It refers to a person who harms their benefactor or someone who has helped them in their time of need. It is used to condemn the act of biting the hand that feeds you.
కన్న తల్లికి కంటతడి, చవతితల్లికి కన్నుకుట్టు
kanna talliki kantatadi, chavatitalliki kannukuttu
Tears for the birth mother, envy for the stepmother.
This proverb contrasts true empathy with jealousy. It implies that while a birth mother (or a true well-wisher) feels genuine sorrow for one's struggles, a stepmother (or a rival) feels envious of one's success or status. It is used to describe situations where some people are saddened by your pain while others are spiteful of your happiness.
తల్లికి కూడుపెట్టనివాడు పినతల్లికి చీరపెట్టేదట
talliki kudupettanivadu pinatalliki chirapettedata
One who doesn't feed his own mother is said to buy a saree for his maternal aunt.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrisy or misplaced priorities. It refers to someone who neglects their fundamental duties or those closest to them, yet tries to gain a good reputation by performing grand gestures for others or distant relatives. It highlights the irony of showing off generosity to the world while failing to meet basic responsibilities at home.
కలుపు తీతకు కత్తిక కావాలా?
kalupu titaku kattika kavala?
Do you need a sickle just to pull out weeds?
This proverb is used to point out when someone is overcomplicating a simple task or seeking unnecessary, elaborate tools for a minor job. It suggests that common sense or minimal effort is sufficient for small problems.
తల్లి మాటలేగాని పెట్టుమాత్రం పినతల్లిది
talli matalegani pettumatram pinatallidi
The words are of a mother, but the feeding is that of a step-mother.
This proverb is used to describe a person who talks very affectionately and kindly but acts selfishly or cruelly when it comes to providing help or resources. It highlights the hypocrisy between one's sweet words and their stingy actions.
కన్నతల్లికి కడుపు కాలితే, పిన్నతల్లికి పిర్ర కాలిందిట
kannatalliki kadupu kalite, pinnatalliki pirra kalindita
When the biological mother's stomach was burning (with hunger), the stepmother's butt was burning.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is truly suffering or in need is ignored, while someone else makes a frivolous or exaggerated complaint to gain attention or compete. It highlights the contrast between genuine distress and fake or disproportionate grievances.
తల్లికి లేని ముద్దు దాదికి కలుగునా?
talliki leni muddu dadiki kaluguna?
Will a nanny have the affection that even a mother does not possess?
This proverb suggests that no one can care for or love a person more than their natural guardian or the person most closely responsible for them. It is used to express skepticism when a stranger or an outsider shows more concern or emotion than a person's own family or close relatives, often implying that such external affection might be insincere.