చెయ్యి దాచుకుంటాముగాని, కులం దాచుకుంటామా?

cheyyi dachukuntamugani, kulam dachukuntama?

Translation

We may hide our hand, but can we hide our caste/lineage?

Meaning

This expression suggests that while one can hide their actions, intentions, or wealth (symbolized by the hand), one's true nature, upbringing, or inherent identity cannot be concealed for long. It is often used to imply that a person's character or background will eventually reveal itself through their behavior.

Related Phrases

Just because we eat meat, do we tie the bones around our neck?

This proverb is used to convey that while one may enjoy certain benefits or indulge in specific habits, they don't necessarily want to carry the burdens, evidence, or negative consequences associated with them. It highlights the distinction between enjoying a pleasure and being burdened by its baggage.

Just because both the eye and the finger are ours, would we poke our own eye?

This expression is used to advise against self-harm or hurting one's own interests, especially during internal disputes or family conflicts. It emphasizes that even if someone involved is 'one of our own,' we should not act recklessly or destructively, as the ultimate loss is our own.

One who stretches legs towards the cremation ground but stretches hands for food

This expression describes a person who is extremely old or at the end of their life (one foot in the grave) but still possesses a strong desire or greed for material things or food. It is used to highlight the irony of having worldly attachments even when death is imminent.

You can hide the truth, but you cannot hide fire.

This proverb emphasizes that truth, much like fire, cannot remain hidden for long. Just as fire eventually burns through its covering and reveals itself via heat or smoke, a concealed truth will inevitably come to light despite any attempts to suppress it. It is used to advise someone that secrets or lies are temporary and will eventually be exposed.

Coming for buttermilk and hiding the pot.

This proverb refers to a situation where someone approaches another person with a specific request or goal but is too hesitant, shy, or secretive to state their true intention. It describes the irony of seeking help or a favor while trying to hide the very vessel needed to receive it. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward instead of being unnecessarily evasive.

Don't count/calculate; you will end up sharing.

This expression is used to warn someone against being overly calculating, greedy, or fastidious about portions or shares. It suggests that when you try to calculate or scrutinize too much (often out of selfishness), you will inevitably be forced to share it with others or lose a portion of it anyway. It serves as a reminder that excessive calculation often leads to unexpected redistribution.

Like hiding fire in a stack of dry corn stalks

This expression describes a situation where someone is harboring a dangerous secret or an imminent disaster that cannot be hidden for long. Just as dry fodder catches fire instantly, attempting to conceal something inherently volatile or destructive will lead to an inevitable and rapid catastrophe. It is used to warn someone that their current actions are self-destructive and impossible to maintain.

We can hide our hand, but can we hide our caste?

This proverb suggests that while physical actions or temporary secrets can be concealed, one's fundamental identity, heritage, or true nature will eventually become apparent to society. It is often used to imply that some truths are too deeply rooted to remain hidden forever.

Even if you hide the pots, you cannot hide the muscles.

This proverb is used to explain that while one can hide the physical evidence of eating well (the pots used for cooking), the physical health and strength gained from it (the muscles) will eventually reveal the truth. In a broader sense, it means that internal development or true character cannot be concealed for long, even if the external process is kept secret.

Coming to beg buttermilk and hiding the cup.

This proverb refers to a person who approaches someone for help or a favor but is too hesitant, shy, or deceitful to state their true intention. It describes a situation where someone acts with false modesty or lacks the transparency needed to achieve their goal, much like someone visiting a neighbor to ask for buttermilk while trying to hide the vessel they brought to collect it in.

Pride with poverty. Pride and poverty are ill met yet often together.