తిండిబోతు సంగతి పెండ్లమెరుగు

tindibotu sangati pendlamerugu

Translation

A glutton's secret is known to his wife.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that a person's true nature, habits, or secrets are best known to those who live with them or are closest to them. Just as a wife knows exactly how much her husband eats regardless of his public image, those in close proximity see the unvarnished truth of a person's character.

Related Phrases

Water knows the slope, God knows the truth

Just as water naturally flows towards a low-lying area, the ultimate truth is known only to God. It is used to emphasize that even if people are deceived or facts are hidden, the absolute truth cannot be hidden from the divine or will eventually be revealed.

A moon-like person who lacks common sense or social tact.

This expression is used to describe a person who, despite being handsome or seemingly respectable, lacks 'Ingitham' (the ability to understand social cues, basic manners, or situational awareness). It highlights the irony of a person having outward dignity but no practical sense of how to behave in a given situation.

Love does not last two years, and dirt does not last three years.

This proverb highlights the fleeting nature of intense emotions and physical states. It suggests that the initial passion of a romantic attraction (valapu) often fades within two years, just as physical grime or stains (murugu) eventually wear off or are cleaned over time. It is used to caution against the assumption that temporary feelings or situations will remain unchanged forever.

Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside

This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.

Only a thief knows the secrets of another thief

This proverb implies that people of the same kind, especially those involved in deceptive or specific activities, understand each other's tactics and mindsets better than outsiders. It is used to suggest that it takes one to know one.

The decorations of a fair and of a loose woman. Ornament which soon disappears and exposes the real wretchedness.

This proverb describes things that are temporary and superficial. Just as a marketplace is bustling and vibrant only during trading hours and becomes desolate afterward, or a courtesan's beauty is enhanced only for professional allure, some situations or appearances lack depth and permanent value.

The name belongs to the wedding party, but the food belongs to the household.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person or group gets all the credit or fame (the name), while another person or group bears all the actual work, expenses, or consumption (the food/burden). It highlights the disparity between public recognition and practical reality.

Running on the roof and shining the mustache.

This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.

The field is better than the seed

This proverb emphasizes that environment and upbringing (nurture) are often more influential than inherent traits or lineage (nature). Just as a good quality seed cannot flourish in barren soil, a talented person needs a supportive environment to succeed. It is used to highlight the importance of the surroundings in which someone grows or works.

While planning for a son's marriage, one must also keep the maintenance of grandchildren in mind.

This expression highlights the importance of long-term thinking and foresight. It suggests that when making a major decision or commitment, one should not just look at the immediate event, but also prepare for the future responsibilities and consequences that will inevitably follow.