ఉవిదల బుద్ధి పెడతల నుండుగాని

uvidala buddhi pedatala nundugani

Translation

Women's wisdom lies at the back of their heads.

Meaning

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to suggest that women may lack foresight or make decisions based on immediate emotions rather than long-term logic. It reflects historical social biases and is typically used in a derogatory or condescending manner to imply that a woman's judgment is backward or arrives too late.

Related Phrases

A man's mind is a blunt mind, a woman's mind is a subtle/sharp mind.

This proverb contrasts the psychological natures of men and women. It suggests that men tend to be more straightforward, rough, or simple-minded (motu), whereas women possess a more complex, strategic, or far-reaching intelligence (apara buddhi). It is often used to comment on how women can see through situations or plan more effectively than men.

Women's wisdom resides at the back of their heads

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to remark that women tend to realize the consequences of an action after it has happened rather than beforehand. In modern contexts, it is sometimes viewed as a stereotypical or sexist remark about feminine foresight, but it remains a common idiomatic expression to describe hindsight.

What is more cunning/contrary than a woman's mind?

This proverb is traditionally used to suggest that women possess a unique or unpredictable sharpness of mind, often implying they can think of unconventional or clever solutions that others might miss. It is sometimes used to describe a change of heart or a contrary way of thinking.

When hit on the mouth, the back of the head is said to have swollen.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the consequences of an action are disproportionate, unexpected, or when someone exaggerates the impact of a minor event. It can also refer to a scenario where one person's mistake leads to an unexpected reaction or result in a completely different area.

The porcupine has sense in the back of its head. Said of a man without brains.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone behaves perversely or acts contrary to logic and common sense. It highlights a mismatch in expectations or a stubborn, backward way of thinking, much like how a crab moves sideways instead of straight.

Like the back of the head speaking when the mouth is closed.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally stubborn, argumentative, or persistent. It implies that even if you manage to silence them or win an argument, they will still find a way to have the last word or continue their defiance through some other means.

Man's intellect is crude, woman's intellect is subtle/deeper.

This proverb highlights a traditional observation about gendered thinking styles. It suggests that men tend to have a blunt or straightforward approach (motu), whereas women possess a more refined, intricate, or farsighted perspective (avara). It is used to contrast the simplicity of a man's logic with the complexity and depth of a woman's intuition.

A thief has a thief's mentality, a gentleman has a gentleman's mentality.

This proverb states that a person's character and actions are determined by their innate nature or social standing. It is used to explain that individuals will consistently act according to their established traits or upbringing, whether those are dishonest or noble.

To look at you are a great man, but you are a mean fellow at heart. Lit. You have the sense of an ass.

This expression is used to criticize someone who is physically grown up or looks like an adult but lacks maturity, common sense, or intelligence. It highlights the contrast between physical growth ('Masi Pedda') and foolish behavior ('Gadidha Buddhi').

Even in a celestial garden, weeds can grow.

This proverb is used to illustrate that even in the most perfect, beautiful, or elite environments, some flaws or undesirable elements can exist. It suggests that imperfections are inevitable everywhere.