తల్లిని బట్టి పిల్ల, విత్తును బట్టి పంట.

tallini batti pilla, vittunu batti panta.

Translation

Like mother, like daughter; like seed, like crop.

Meaning

This proverb emphasizes that character, behavior, and quality are inherited or influenced by origins. Just as the quality of a harvest depends on the quality of the seed sown, a child's traits and upbringing are often a reflection of the mother or the family environment. It is used to describe how someone's nature is a result of their roots.

Related Phrases

Look at the mother before choosing the daughter, look at the milk yield before choosing the buffalo.

This proverb suggests that characteristics are often inherited or influenced by origins. Just as a buffalo's value is judged by its milk production, a daughter's character and qualities can often be understood by observing her mother. It is used as a piece of advice when considering marriage alliances or evaluating someone based on their upbringing and lineage.

Like mother, like child; like yarn, like cloth

This proverb suggests that a child's character and upbringing are reflections of their mother, just as the quality of a fabric depends on the quality of the yarn used. It is used to describe how heredity, environment, and parental influence shape a person's nature.

The cattle is judged by the market, the child is judged by the lineage.

This proverb emphasizes the influence of heredity and upbringing. Just as the quality of livestock is determined by where it is bought (the market's reputation), a child's character and behavior are often a reflection of their family's traits, values, and ancestry (Vangadam).

The fruit depends on the tree - the harvest depends on the field.

This proverb is used to explain that the quality of an outcome or offspring depends on its origin or upbringing. Similar to 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree,' it suggests that results are proportional to the source's nature or the effort invested in the foundation.

A Banaras saree for a small girl (or a plain/simple girl).

This expression is used to describe a situation where something overly expensive, extravagant, or grand is given to someone or applied to something that doesn't match its stature or value. It highlights a mismatch between a simple subject and a luxurious accessory, often used to critique unnecessary waste or vanity.

Like mother, like child; like seed, like crop.

This proverb emphasizes the influence of origins and upbringing. Just as the quality of a harvest depends on the quality of the seed sown, a child's character and traits are often a reflection of their parents or their environment. It is used to describe how inherent qualities or early influences determine the final outcome.

The fruit is like the tree.

This expression means that the quality or nature of something is determined by its origin or source. It is often used to describe how children inherit traits from their parents or how the outcome of a task depends on the quality of the initial effort. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree'.

The fruit depends on the tree

Like father, like son; or the quality of a product depends on its source. It is used to suggest that the nature or character of a person or thing is determined by its origin or upbringing.

Touch-me-not plant

Literally referring to the Mimosa pudica plant, this expression is used to describe a person who is extremely sensitive, shy, or gets easily offended or hurt by even the slightest comment or touch.

Like hitting the winnowing tray to scare away the cat.

This proverb describes a situation where someone attempts to intimidate a powerful or stubborn opponent using weak, ineffective, or indirect methods. Just as a cat isn't truly frightened by the sound of a winnowing basket being struck, the person being targeted is unlikely to be moved by such empty threats or superficial actions.