ఉల్లిగడ్డంత కోడలు వస్తే, వలికలో ఉన్న అత్త ఉలికి ఉలికి పడ్డదట
ulligaddanta kodalu vaste, valikalo unna atta uliki uliki paddadata
When a daughter-in-law as small as an onion arrived, the mother-in-law hiding in the storage basket kept trembling with fear.
This proverb describes a situation where a person in a position of power or seniority is irrationally intimidated by a new, seemingly insignificant, or small arrival. It is used to mock those who are overly suspicious, insecure, or fearful of change or new competition, even when the 'threat' is tiny or harmless.
Related Phrases
అత్తా అత్తా కొడుకును కంటానంటే, వద్దంటానా అందట
atta atta kodukunu kantanante, vaddantana andata
When a daughter-in-law asked her mother-in-law if she should give birth to a son, the mother-in-law replied, 'Would I ever say no?'
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for permission or proposes something that is obviously beneficial or desirable to the listener. It highlights a rhetorical question where the answer is an emphatic 'yes' because the outcome favors everyone involved.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్లు
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinatlu
Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.
కోడలు కొడుకును కంటానంటే, వద్దనే అత్త ఉంటుందా?
kodalu kodukunu kantanante, vaddane atta untunda?
If a daughter-in-law says she will give birth to a son, would any mother-in-law say no?
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers to do something that is universally beneficial or highly desired. It implies that no one in their right mind would refuse a proposal that brings mutual profit or happiness. It is often used when a deal or suggestion is so good that acceptance is a foregone conclusion.
కూలికి వచ్చి పాలికి మాట్లాడినట్టు.
kuliki vachchi paliki matladinattu.
He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.
This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.
గాలికి పుట్టి, ధూళికి పెరిగినట్లు
galiki putti, dhuliki periginatlu
Born to the wind and raised in the dust.
This expression describes someone who grew up without any parental care, guidance, or proper upbringing. It is used to refer to people who are self-raised in neglectful conditions or things that have appeared and developed haphazardly without any formal foundation or supervision.
గాలికి పుట్టి ధూళికి పెరిగినట్టు
galiki putti dhuliki periginattu
Born of the wind, and reared up by the dust. Said by parents to an ungrateful son, or by a benefactor to an ungrateful dependant.
This expression refers to someone who grew up without proper care, guidance, or parental supervision. It is often used to describe a person who has become wayward or unrefined due to a lack of structured upbringing and support.
కులికేదాన్ని పల్లకిలో పెడితే, ఒళ్లంతా చెడ కులికిందట
kulikedanni pallakilo pedite, ollanta cheda kulikindata
When a vain woman was placed in a palanquin, she swayed her body so much that she ruined her health.
This proverb describes people who don't know how to behave when given a position of honor or luxury. Instead of being graceful, they overact or behave foolishly due to excessive pride or lack of character, eventually causing their own downfall or making themselves look ridiculous.
గడ్డపార గాలికి పోతుంటే ఉల్లిపాయ నా జంబులీ కం చూడమన్నదట
gaddapara galiki potunte ullipaya na jambuli kam chudamannadata
When a heavy crowbar is being blown away by the wind, the onion asked to check on its own roots.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is worrying about a trivial or insignificant matter while a major catastrophe or a massive event is occurring. It highlights a lack of perspective or a failure to understand the gravity of a situation.
ఢిల్లీకి పోయి ఉల్లిగడ్డ తెచ్చినట్లు
dhilliki poyi ulligadda techchinatlu
Like going all the way to Delhi just to bring back an onion.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts in an enormous amount of effort, time, or resources, only to achieve a very trivial or insignificant result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.
పేడలో పొదిగిన ఉల్లిగడ్డ
pedalo podigina ulligadda
Like an onion set in cow-dung. A bad man in like company.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely healthy, sturdy, and strong, or someone who remains unaffected and thrives even in humble or messy surroundings. Just as an onion grown in manure becomes very pungent and firm, this refers to someone with a robust constitution.