వైదికునిచేతి విడిమాయె వనిత బ్రతుకు

vaidikunicheti vidimaye vanita bratuku

Translation

The life of a woman became like a betel leaf in the hands of a priest.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's life or future is completely at the mercy of someone who doesn't care about it, or where something is being used up or wasted carelessly. Just as a priest quickly consumes or discards betel leaves during a ritual, the subject's life is being handled without value or consideration.

Related Phrases

Wife became jaggery, mother became poison.

This proverb describes a situation where a person, usually a man, becomes so infatuated or influenced by his wife that he begins to view his own mother with hostility or disdain. It is used to criticize someone who forgets their parents' sacrifices and treats them poorly after marriage, prioritizing their spouse to an extreme and unfair degree.

A man's life is a bowl full of grains; a woman's life is a grain in the gruel.

This traditional proverb reflects historical gender roles and social hierarchies. It suggests that a man's life or contribution is seen as substantial and central (a bowl full of food), while a woman's life is often perceived as supplementary or less significant (a single grain in liquid). It is used to describe the disparity in how society values the lives and roles of men and women.

The life one lived is known at the time of death.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's true character, reputation, and the impact of their life's work are only fully realized and judged by society after they pass away. It is often used to suggest that one's legacy is defined by how they are remembered by others when they are gone.

Money left in the hands of a woman wont last; a child left in the hands of a man wont live.

This traditional proverb suggests that wealth tends to be spent quickly when managed by a woman (historically implying domestic expenses or lack of financial restraint), while a child may not thrive under a man's sole care due to a perceived lack of nurturing skills. It is used to describe situations where resources or responsibilities are placed in hands that are traditionally considered ill-equipped to preserve them.

The hand's quality - the physician's hand's brilliance

This expression refers to the 'healing touch' or the innate skill of a person. It suggests that the success of a treatment or a task depends not just on the medicine or tools used, but on the unique proficiency and luck (Cheti Gunam) of the individual performing it. It is commonly used when a doctor's treatment works effectively or when someone consistently succeeds in their craft.

If the patient lives, the doctor survives; if the patient dies, the priest survives.

This proverb is a satirical take on professions that profit regardless of the outcome. It suggests that if a sick person recovers, the doctor earns money and fame, but if the person dies, the priest earns fees for performing the funeral rites. It is used to describe situations where certain parties benefit from both success and failure.

Betel nut in the hand of a clerical Brahman.

This expression is used to describe something that is given very reluctantly or something that is offered in such a small quantity that it is almost negligible. In traditional culture, Vaidika priests were known for their frugality and would often part with items (like betel leaves/taambulam) with great hesitation.

A woman's life is like a banana leaf.

This proverb highlights the perceived vulnerability and fragility of a woman's life in traditional society. Like a banana leaf, which gets damaged whether it falls on a thorn or a thorn falls on it, a woman's reputation or life is seen as being easily affected by circumstances regardless of who is at fault.

Wife's word is the path to life.

This expression suggests that listening to a wife's advice leads to a stable, prosperous, and successful life. It highlights the importance of a spouse's wisdom in maintaining a happy household.

A woman's life is a fragile/humble life

This is a traditional Telugu proverb often used to express the perceived vulnerability, hardships, or subordinate status women faced in social structures. It suggests that a woman's life is delicate or subject to many challenges. In modern contexts, it is sometimes used to reflect on the historical plight or difficulties specific to women's experiences.