ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మొగుడూ కాదు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకూ కాదు
unchukunnavadu mogudu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
A kept man is not a husband, an adopted one is not a son.
This traditional proverb suggests that certain relationships formed through convenience or external arrangements may lack the genuine legal, social, or biological permanence of original roles. It is often used to imply that something acquired or temporary cannot fully replace the original or legitimate version.
Related Phrases
ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాదు, ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు
oka koduku koduku kadu, oka kannu kannu kadu
Having only one son is like having only one eye.
This proverb highlights the vulnerability of relying on a single source of support. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending solely on one child or a single plan is risky because if that one fails, there is no backup or alternative support system.
ఉల్లి మల్లి కాదు, ఉంచుకున్నది పెళ్ళాం కాదు
ulli malli kadu, unchukunnadi pellam kadu
An onion is not a jasmine flower, and a mistress is not a wife.
This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.
వీధిలో చేసుకున్నాడు ఇంట్లో ఉంచుకున్నాడు
vidhilo chesukunnadu intlo unchukunnadu
He got it done in the street and kept it in the house.
This expression is used to describe someone who behaves recklessly or creates a mess/controversy in public, only to have to deal with the consequences and burdens within their own home. It often refers to someone who invites trouble through public actions and then has to live with the resulting problems privately.
ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు, ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాదు
oka kannu kannu kadu, oka koduku koduku kadu
One eye is not an eye, one son is not a son.
This proverb highlights the vulnerability and risk associated with having only one of something essential. Just as losing one's only eye results in total blindness, depending on an only child (traditionally for lineage or support) is considered risky because if something happens to them, there is no backup. It is used to describe situations where a single point of failure exists.
తలుపు తెంచుకున్న బర్రె, తాడు తెంచుకున్న గుర్రం
talupu tenchukunna barre, tadu tenchukunna gurram
A buffalo that broke the door, a horse that snapped its rope.
This expression is used to describe someone who has become completely uncontrollable, unruly, or has broken free from all restraints and discipline. It refers to a state of absolute chaos or a person acting without any inhibition or regard for rules, similar to the English phrase 'running wild' or 'loose cannon'.
ఎదురుగా ఉన్నవాడే పెళ్ళికొడుకు
eduruga unnavade pellikoduku
The man in front is the bridegroom.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone chooses the most immediate or obvious option available because they lack the time, patience, or resources to look for a better alternative. It implies settling for what is right in front of one's eyes.
ఒక కన్ను కన్నూ కాదు, ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకూ కాడు
oka kannu kannu kadu, oka koduku koduku kadu
One eye is no eye, one son is no son.
This proverb suggests that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as losing one's only eye leads to total blindness, depending on an only child (or a single point of failure) leaves one vulnerable. It is used to emphasize the importance of backups, security, or having multiple supports in life.
ఒక కొడుకు కొడుకు కాదు, ఒక చెట్టు తోపు కాదు
oka koduku koduku kadu, oka chettu topu kadu
One son is not a son, and one tree is not a grove.
This proverb emphasizes that relying on a single resource or individual is risky. Just as a single tree cannot provide the shade or abundance of an entire forest/grove, having only one child (in a traditional context) or one plan was seen as precarious because if that one fails, there is no backup or support system.
ఉంచుకున్నవాడు మగడు కాడు, పెంచుకున్నవాడు కొడుకు కాడు
unchukunnavadu magadu kadu, penchukunnavadu koduku kadu
The man one keeps is not a husband, the child one raises is not a son.
This proverb reflects traditional social views on legitimacy and formal bonds. It suggests that informal relationships or foster care do not equate to the legal and social status of a marriage or biological lineage. It is often used to emphasize that titles or roles earned through convenience or temporary arrangements lack the permanence and sanctity of formal, recognized institutions.
తాటిచెట్టు నీడ నీడకాదు, తగులుకున్నవాడు మొగుడు కాదు
tatichettu nida nidakadu, tagulukunnavadu mogudu kadu
The shadow of a palm tree is not a real shade, and a paramour is not a husband.
This proverb highlights that some things are unreliable or lack substance despite appearances. Just as the tall palm tree provides very little actual shade for someone seeking cover, a person in a casual or illicit relationship cannot provide the security, commitment, or social standing of a spouse. It is used to describe temporary or deceptive situations that fail to offer true protection or long-term stability.