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.
Related Phrases
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.
ఇచ్చినవాడు దాత, ఇవ్వనివాడు పాత
ichchinavadu data, ivvanivadu pata
He who gives is a donor, he who does not give is a clout.
This expression highlights that generosity earns a person respect and a lasting legacy. A person who helps others is remembered as a benefactor, whereas someone who is stingy or refuses to help is quickly forgotten or disregarded by society. It is used to encourage charity and reflect on the social value of giving.
The impertinent speech of a beggar.
కానివాడు లేనివానితో జత.
kanivadu lenivanito jata.
An unfit person pairs with a person who has nothing.
This proverb describes the alliance of two individuals who are both lacking in some way—either in character, resources, or capability. It is used to mock an association where neither party can help the other, or to point out that people with negative traits often find common ground with those who have nothing to lose.
తల్లికి కూడు పెట్టనివాడు తగవు చెప్పేడు, పెళ్ళానికి చాలనివాడు పెత్తనం చేసేడు.
talliki kudu pettanivadu tagavu cheppedu, pellaniki chalanivadu pettanam chesedu.
One who doesn't feed his mother gives judgments; one who can't provide for his wife exerts authority.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who try to solve other people's problems or lead society while failing to fulfill their basic responsibilities at home. It highlights the irony of someone seeking respect or power externally when they are incompetent or neglectful in their personal life.
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.
కానివాడు లేనివాడితో జత
kanivadu lenivadito jata
An unfriendly person is equal to one that is not.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people who are equally useless, incapable, or lacking resources join forces. It implies that their partnership will be unproductive because neither has the means or character to succeed or help the other. It is often used to mock an alliance that is destined for failure.
పని చేయనివాడు ఇంటికి దొంగ, పన్ను ఇవ్వనివాడు దివాణానికి దొంగ
pani cheyanivadu intiki donga, pannu ivvanivadu divananiki donga
The one who does not work is a thief to the house; the one who does not pay taxes is a thief to the government.
This proverb highlights personal and civic responsibilities. It suggests that a family member who doesn't contribute labor is a burden to the household, just as a citizen who evades taxes is a traitor to the state (divanam). It is used to emphasize that laziness and tax evasion are both forms of dishonesty.
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.