చిక్కిన సింహాన్ని బక్కకుక్క కూడా కరుస్తుంది

chikkina simhanni bakkakukka kuda karustundi

Translation

Even a lean dog will bite a lion that is trapped.

Meaning

This proverb highlights how even the weak or cowardly take advantage of a powerful person when they are in a vulnerable, helpless, or weakened position. It is used to describe how circumstances can humiliate even the greatest of people.

Related Phrases

Even if you seat a dog on a throne, it won't give up its old habits.

This proverb is used to describe how a person's inherent nature or character does not change regardless of their status, wealth, or environment. Just as a dog might still chase after scraps even if placed in royalty, an unworthy or base person will eventually revert to their true behavior despite being given power or respect.

Even a dog will have a favorable time.

This expression is the Telugu equivalent of 'Every dog has its day.' It is used to suggest that everyone, no matter how insignificant or unfortunate they may seem, will eventually have a period of success, luck, or opportunity in their life.

Like a hungry lion finding an elephant

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone in desperate need or intense desire suddenly finds a massive, perfect opportunity or a great reward. It implies that a long-awaited solution has appeared at just the right time, providing more than enough to satisfy the need.

If a tiger becomes thin, will its stripes become thin too?

This expression means that even if a person of great stature or character falls on hard times or loses their wealth, their inherent dignity, skills, and fundamental nature remain unchanged. It is used to describe someone whose core identity and respect remain intact despite a change in their external circumstances.

Like a lion fallen into a cage

This expression is used to describe a powerful, influential, or highly capable person who has become helpless, trapped, or restricted due to circumstances beyond their control. It signifies frustrated strength and the agony of being unable to act despite having great potential.

If caught, a thief; if not caught, a lord.

This expression describes a situation where a person's reputation or status depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. It is used to point out hypocrisy or the fact that many people who appear respectable might actually be doing something wrong but simply haven't been caught yet.

Even a lion will have a time when it must fear an ant

This proverb emphasizes that no matter how powerful or strong someone is, there are situations where even the smallest or seemingly weakest opponent can cause them trouble. It is used to teach humility and to warn against underestimating others based on their size or status.

A dog is not a lion, and a rabbit is not a wolf.

This proverb is used to emphasize that every living being or individual has their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or more aggressive, just as a domestic dog cannot possess the majesty of a lion, nor can a timid rabbit become a predatory wolf.

Even a sheep will bite a person who lacks firmness.

This proverb highlights that if a person is weak, timid, or lacks a strong will, even the most harmless or weak creatures (or people) will try to dominate or bully them. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-confidence and strength in character to prevent others from taking advantage.

In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.

This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.