వెర్రివాడి పెండ్లాము వాడవదినె

verrivadi pendlamu vadavadine

Translation

A madman's wife is common property. The helpless are mocked and ill-treated.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where a person is weak, foolish, or lacks the authority to protect their own interests or family. Because the husband is a fool, the neighbors or community members do not respect his boundaries and treat his wife with over-familiarity or lack of respect, taking undue liberties. It is used to highlight how a lack of personal strength or character leads to others taking advantage of one's household.

Related Phrases

A thief's wife will eventually become a widow.

This proverb suggests that those who engage in illegal or unethical activities will eventually face dire consequences, and their families will inevitably suffer the repercussions. It is used to warn that the fruits of crime are temporary and lead to a tragic end.

With continued attempts, even a fool may win. A fool's bolt may sometimes hit the mark.

This proverb emphasizes the power of consistency, practice, and perseverance. It suggests that even someone who lacks natural talent or intelligence can achieve success if they repeatedly perform a task with focus and dedication. In usage, it is often cited to encourage someone to stick to a routine or to highlight that steady practice leads to mastery.

A poor man's wife is a sister-in-law to the whole village.

This proverb highlights how people tend to take liberties with those who lack social or financial standing. Just as a 'Vadina' (sister-in-law) is someone one can joke with or command in a traditional family, a poor person's family is often treated with a lack of respect or boundaries by everyone in society because they lack the power to protest.

Auction madness. Said of foolish extravagance.

Used to describe a situation where a large group of people mindlessly follow a trend or imitate others without thinking, similar to a 'herd mentality' or 'mass hysteria'.

The wife of a forced laborer is a sister-in-law to the entire street.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who is helpless, soft-natured, or lacks social standing is taken advantage of by everyone. Just as a 'Vadina' (sister-in-law) in a traditional sense can be joked with or assigned tasks, it implies that when a person cannot defend their boundaries, the whole community feels entitled to exploit them or treat them with overly familiar authority.

What has a harlot to do with degrees of relationship, and good manners ? Vāvi signifies those degrees of relationship within which cohabitation is incest.

This proverb is used to criticize those who unnecessarily interfere in others' matters or give unsolicited advice when they have no real connection or authority. It implies that a distant acquaintance (neighborhood sister-in-law) shouldn't be concerned with the internal values or behavior of a family they aren't part of.

Your paternal uncle's wife is not your maternal aunt; your maternal uncle's wife is not your paternal aunt.

This proverb highlights the nuances of relationships and blood ties. It suggests that while people may hold certain titles or positions through marriage, they do not necessarily inherit the same biological significance or emotional depth as the original relative. It is often used to caution against expecting the same level of care or loyalty from relatives by marriage as one would from blood relatives.

A thief's wife is always a widow. She is always in danger of becoming one.

This proverb highlights the constant state of anxiety and uncertainty faced by those who rely on illegal or unethical activities. Just as a thief's wife lives in perpetual fear that her husband might be caught or killed at any moment, people involved in wrongdoing can never enjoy true peace of mind because the consequences of their actions are always looming.

A stone in a madman's hand.

This expression refers to a situation where something powerful or dangerous is in the hands of someone who lacks the wisdom, judgment, or self-control to use it properly. It implies that the outcome is unpredictable and likely to cause harm to others or themselves, as there is no reasoning behind their actions.

A dangerous experiment. Put not a naked sword in a madman's hand.

For a poor man, his wife is his only wealth.

This proverb suggests that for someone with no material possessions or financial resources, a supportive and hardworking life partner is their greatest asset and source of strength. It highlights the value of companionship and family over material riches in times of poverty.