ProverbPedia

“ മരുമക്കളെ പേടിപ്പിക്കാൻ മക്കളെ അടിക്ക”
English Translation:
Beating one’s own children to intimidate the nephews (or daughter-in-law). (Disciplining an immediate dependent as an indirect warning or subtle rebuke to outsiders whom one cannot confront openly.)

— Malayalam

Related Mantras

“ ചക്കര തിന്നുമ്പോൾ നക്കി, നക്കി, താരം കൊടുക്കുമ്പോൾ മിക്കി, മിക്കി”
English Translation:
Licking eagerly when eating the jaggery, but squirming and shrinking when handing over the coins. (Eager and quick to consume benefits, but petty, evasive, and reluctant when the time comes to pay the bill.)

“ ആന കടമ്പകടന്നതുപോലെ”
English Translation:
Like an elephant crashing through a garden stile. (An unstoppable force obliterating a fragile obstacle with effortless ease.)

“ നെടിയവന്റെ തലയിൽ വടി”
English Translation:
The stick strikes the head of the tallest man. (Those of exceptional stature, high prominence, or great power become the primary target for scrutiny, envy, and attack.)