దొంగ మగని భక్తిమీర భజించగానే మంచి త్రోవ చూపగలడా?

donga magani bhaktimira bhajinchagane manchi trova chupagalada?

Translation

If one worships a thief with great devotion, can he show the right path?

Meaning

This proverb is used to convey that one's inherent nature or character does not change simply because they are treated with respect or devotion. It highlights that expecting guidance or virtuous results from an inherently dishonest or wicked person is futile, regardless of how much loyalty or faith you place in them.

Related Phrases

Even after singing hymns all night, the devotion is zero.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone puts in a lot of effort or goes through the motions of a task, but the actual result or the core intent behind it is missing. It highlights hypocrisy or performing actions superficially without genuine commitment or output.

Like turning a Qazi into a Fazi, and a Fazi into a Qazi.

This expression refers to someone who can cleverly manipulate facts or situations to suit their needs, often by confusing others with complex or circular logic. It describes a person's ability to switch roles or definitions so rapidly and convincingly that the truth becomes obscured, often used in the context of legal trickery or verbal dexterity.

Will a fruit which ripens not of itself ripen if you kick it? Advice is thrown away upon the headstrong.

This proverb is used to explain that certain things cannot be forced and require their own natural time to happen. Just as a raw fruit cannot be forced to ripen instantly through physical force or aggression, results in life often require patience and the right conditions rather than coercion.

A monkey can break a coconut, but can it drink the water?

This proverb describes a situation where someone can easily destroy or disrupt something but lacks the skill, wisdom, or capability to actually benefit from it or handle the outcome. It is used to critique people who act impulsively or destructively without a plan for the final goal.

The whole village follows one path, while the eccentric person follows another.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is contrarian, stubborn, or refuses to conform to social norms. It characterizes someone who intentionally goes against the grain or acts differently from everyone else, often in an illogical or unhelpful manner.

A squirrel's devotion

This expression refers to contributing one's small or humble part towards a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used to describe a modest contribution made with sincere dedication.

A squirrel performs a squirrel's service. The squirrels are said to have assisted Râma in building the bridge at Râméśvaram by dipping themselves into the water and then rolling in sand, which they brought for the mortar. Willingly doing what one can.

This expression is used to describe a small contribution or help offered towards a larger cause or project. It originates from the Ramayana, where a squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying small grains of sand. It signifies that even a tiny effort, when done with sincerity and devotion, is valuable and significant.

He makes the great, mean; and the mean, great. The power of God.

This expression is used to describe an extremely clever, manipulative, or influential person who has the power to flip situations upside down. It refers to someone who can make the right look wrong and vice versa, often through cunning arguments or corruption.

Squirrel's devotion

This expression is used to describe a small but sincere contribution to a much larger cause. It originates from the Ramayana, where a small squirrel helped Lord Rama build the bridge to Lanka by carrying tiny grains of sand. It is used when someone wants to humbly acknowledge that while their help might be minimal in the grand scheme of things, it is offered with great sincerity.

Is it devotion to Lord Ganesha or devotion to the steam-cooked dumplings?

This expression is used to question someone's true motives. It suggests that a person might be performing a task or showing devotion not out of genuine interest or sincerity, but because of the personal benefits or rewards (like the offerings/undrallu) associated with it. It is similar to the English concept of 'ulterior motives'.