అడవి నక్కలకు కొత్వాలు దురాయి

adavi nakkalaku kotvalu durayi

Translation

What does a wild Jackal care for the threats of a Police Officer?

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where laws, rules, or authority figures have no influence or control over lawless, unruly, or uncultured people. Just as a forest fox does not recognize the authority of a city police officer (Kotwal), some people simply ignore social order or discipline.

Notes

What does the moon care if the dogs bark at her? (German.)*

Related Phrases

One must act as a fox among foxes.

This expression suggests that one must adapt to their surroundings and the company they are in to survive or succeed. It is similar to the English proverb 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but with a specific emphasis on using cunning or matching the behavior of those around you, especially when dealing with shrewd people.

If sun and rain come together, it is the wedding of dogs and foxes.

This is a popular folk saying used when it rains while the sun is still shining. It describes a rare or paradoxical natural phenomenon. While scientifically known as a 'sunshower', in Telugu culture, it is traditionally associated with the mythical wedding of foxes and dogs.

Striking and striking, but striking in the side.

This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.

If the leagues are long, are the hearts far distant? An Âmada (4 Kôs) is a distance varying from 8 to 10 miles. Distance cannot alter true friendship.

This expression is used to convey that physical distance between people (friends, family, or lovers) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a lack of affection. Even if individuals are separated by great distances (Amada being an old unit of distance), their hearts and thoughts remain connected.

Does the forest fox care for the police chief's authority?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where people who are outside the law, uncivilized, or living in complete freedom do not care for rules, regulations, or official authority. Just as a wild fox in the forest is unaffected by a city police officer's power, people with nothing to lose or no connection to a system are not intimidated by its leaders.

When it sunshines and rains together, it is a wedding for dogs and foxes.

This is a popular Telugu folk saying used when the sun shines while it is raining simultaneously. It is often told to children as a whimsical explanation for this rare weather phenomenon, suggesting that such magical or unusual weather signifies a celebration in the animal kingdom.

Nandaraya's wealth (went) to foxes and dogs.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's hard-earned wealth or resources are not enjoyed by them or their heirs, but instead are wasted or consumed by unworthy, greedy, or unrelated outsiders. It is used to highlight the irony of accumulating great fortune only for it to be squandered by others.

Will dogs not enter a house without a door?

This proverb is used to illustrate that if there are no boundaries, rules, or protections in place, unwanted elements or trouble will inevitably enter. It emphasizes the necessity of discipline and security to prevent chaos or exploitation.

If distances grow by miles, do the hearts grow apart too?

This expression is used to emphasize that physical distance between people (friends or family) does not necessarily lead to emotional distance or a loss of affection. It suggests that true bonds remain intact regardless of how far apart people live.

If out of sight, is it out of hearing also ?

This expression is used to suggest that even if you cannot see someone or something in person, you can still hear about them or stay in touch. It emphasizes that physical absence does not justify a complete lack of communication or information.