అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog doesn't bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any action or cause actual harm. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Barking dogs seldom bite'.
Related Phrases
ముద్దుచేసిన కుక్క మూతి కరిచిందట.
mudduchesina kukka muti karichindata.
The dog that was pampered bit the snout (face).
This proverb describes a situation where someone who was treated with excessive affection or leniency turns around and causes harm or shows disrespect to their benefactor. It is used to warn against the dangers of over-pampering or being too indulgent with people who lack character or discipline, as they may eventually take advantage of that kindness.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog never bites. Great barkers are nae biters. (Scotch.) A barking cur does not bite. (Italian.)
This proverb is used to describe people who make loud threats or talk aggressively but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who boast or bluster the most are often the least dangerous.
పేను కుక్కినా కుక్కుతాడు, చెవి కరిచినా కరుస్తాడు
penu kukkina kukkutadu, chevi karichina karustadu
[ The monkey ] may either kill the louse, or bite off the ear.
This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.
కరిచే కుక్కకు కర్ర అడ్డము
kariche kukkaku karra addamu
A stick is an obstacle for a biting dog.
This proverb suggests that for every threat or nuisance, there is a specific deterrent or solution. Just as a stick can keep a biting dog at bay, certain measures can be taken to prevent or manage troublesome people or situations.
వన్నె చీర కట్టుకొన్న సంభ్రమమేగాని, వెర్రికుక్క కరిచినది ఎరుగదు.
vanne chira kattukonna sambhramamegani, verrikukka karichinadi erugadu.
She was thinking so much of the coloured cloth she had put on, that she did not know that she had been bitten by a mad dog. Engrossed in pleasure, and blind to danger.
This proverb describes a situation where someone is so preoccupied with superficial appearances or momentary excitement that they ignore a serious, underlying danger. It is used to criticize people who focus on trivialities while neglecting grave risks or consequences.
కూర్చుంటే కుక్కయినా కరువదు
kurchunte kukkayina karuvadu
Even a dog will not bite you if you sit down.
This proverb suggests that when someone is angry or aggressive, adopting a humble or submissive posture can prevent a conflict. It is used to teach that humility and avoiding provocation can defuse dangerous situations or hostile behavior from others.
మొరిగే కుక్క కరవదు.
morige kukka karavadu.
A dog that barks does not bite.
It is said that a shouting man does not harm really. It is not necessary to take the loud threats of one seriously, because one may not really be able to carry out one’s threats.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog does not bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.
ఎముక కొరికే కుక్క ఇనుము కొరుకుతుందా?
emuka korike kukka inumu korukutunda?
Will a dog that chews on bones also chew on iron?
This proverb highlights the limits of one's abilities or tendencies. Just because someone is capable of handling a difficult or familiar task (like a dog chewing a hard bone), it doesn't mean they can handle an impossible or destructive task (like chewing iron). It is used to point out that even those with great strength or specific skills have their limits and shouldn't attempt things that are beyond their nature or capacity.
కుక్క కాటుకు చెప్పు దెబ్బ
kukka katuku cheppu debba
A slap with a chappal for dog bite.
Figuratively, it is an act of retaliation. Similar to “Tit for tat.”