తల్లిని చూచి పిల్లనూ, పాడిని చూచి బర్రెనూ తీసుకోవలెను

tallini chuchi pillanu, padini chuchi barrenu tisukovalenu

Translation

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

Related Phrases

Look at the mother before choosing the daughter; look at the milk before buying the buffalo.

This proverb emphasizes that heredity, upbringing, and proven quality are essential factors when making long-term commitments or choices. Just as a buffalo's value is determined by its milk yield, a person's character and traits are often influenced by their lineage and parental upbringing. It is commonly used as advice when considering marriage alliances.

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.

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.

One should buy a saree looking at the girl, and a bucket looking at the well.

This proverb emphasizes suitability and appropriateness. Just as a saree should be chosen based on the person wearing it and a bucket's size must match the well's dimensions, every action or purchase should be tailored to the specific context or need rather than being decided arbitrarily.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

Give your daughter away after checking the age/compatibility; give the sickle after checking the handle.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of suitability and compatibility in decision-making. Just as a sickle is only useful if its handle fits the hand well, a marriage should only be finalized after ensuring the couple is well-matched in age, status, and character. It serves as a metaphor for performing due diligence before making significant life commitments.

Like saying to place the wooden stool only after seeing the bride.

This proverb suggests that one should evaluate the situation or the person before making a commitment or offering hospitality. It emphasizes the importance of verifying facts or seeing the actual person/object before proceeding with subsequent actions, often used in contexts of marriage or business deals.

One should sing the song after seeing the mortar.

This proverb emphasizes situational awareness and appropriateness. It suggests that one's actions, words, or efforts should be tailored to the specific circumstances or the tools at hand, similar to the English expression 'To suit the action to the word.'

Everyone who sees a deer claims to be a hunter.

This proverb is used to describe people who boast about their skills or claim credit for something just by being present or witnessing an event. It highlights that observing a situation doesn't make one an expert or a participant in the actual hard work required for success.

They apply bindi by looking at the face, and place a seat by looking at the person.

This proverb describes the reality of social bias or favoritism. It means that people are often treated based on their status, appearance, or perceived importance rather than equality. Rewards or hospitality are often adjusted according to the social standing of the recipient.