తండ్రి చస్తే పెత్తనం తెలుస్తుంది, తల్లి చస్తే కాపురం తెలుస్తుంది.

tandri chaste pettanam telustundi, talli chaste kapuram telustundi.

Translation

When the father dies, one understands management; when the mother dies, one understands household responsibilities.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the specific roles parents play in a family. It suggests that a child only truly understands the burden of authority and financial responsibility once the father is gone, and the intricacies of managing a home and family bonds once the mother is gone.

Related Phrases

If the mother dies, the generation is lost; if the father dies, the debt is cleared.

This proverb describes the traditional roles of parents in a family. When a mother passes away, the emotional connection and bonds between siblings and extended family (the generation) often weaken or dissolve. When a father passes away, the family's financial obligations, inheritances, and responsibilities (the debt/burden) transition to the next generation or are settled.

When the river arrives, the rain stops.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a minor concern or source of relief is superseded by a larger event, or specifically, that once a major outcome is achieved (the river flowing), the preliminary signs (the rain) are no longer needed. It is often used to imply that after a long-awaited result occurs, the struggles leading up to it come to an end.

Only when you fall and get back up, you will know the depth of the pit.

This proverb emphasizes that true understanding or experience of a problem comes only after one has faced it and dealt with the consequences. It is used to suggest that people often underestimate the severity of a situation until they personally experience the struggle of overcoming it.

The harvest of the field is known as soon as the work is done.

This expression means that the quality or success of an endeavor becomes apparent through the effort put in and the immediate results. It is used to suggest that one doesn't have to wait until the very end to judge the outcome; the initial execution often reveals the final quality.

A home's appearance reveals the housewife's beauty.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of a home are a direct reflection of the character, competence, and management skills of the person in charge of it. It is used to emphasize that true beauty or worth is seen in how one maintains their responsibilities and environment.

The son-in-law's blindness will be revealed once it's morning.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a major defect or a harsh truth cannot be hidden for long, no matter how much one tries to conceal it initially. Just as a son-in-law might hide his vision problems during the night of the wedding, the truth inevitably comes to light when circumstances change (daylight). It is applied to deceptive situations or hidden flaws that are bound to be exposed eventually.

Moola sinks, Jyeshta floats.

This is a traditional agricultural and weather-related proverb. It refers to the 'Moola' and 'Jyeshta' Kartis (solar mansions). It implies that heavy rains during the Moola Karti can cause flooding or damage crops (sinking them), while the subsequent Jyeshta Karti brings weather conditions that help the crops recover or 'float'. It is used to describe the cyclical nature of challenges and recovery in farming.

When the mother dies, it is like the tongue dying; when the father dies, it is like losing one's eyes.

This proverb highlights the specific roles parents play in a child's life. A mother is associated with food and taste (the tongue), meaning her absence leads to a lack of nourishment and care. A father is seen as the guide and protector (the eyes), meaning his absence leaves the family without direction or security in the world.

Truth is known upon settling down

This expression means that the truth will eventually reveal itself over time. It is used to suggest that one should be patient when facing false accusations or confusion, as time and stability will eventually bring the facts to light.

The greatness of a biological father is realized only when he closes his eyes (dies)

This expression highlights that people often fail to appreciate the value, hard work, and sacrifices of a father while he is alive. His importance is truly felt only after he is no longer there to provide support and protection. It is used to advise people to respect and care for their parents while they are still living.