పులిని చూచి నక్క వాతలు పెట్టుకున్నట్లు

pulini chuchi nakka vatalu pettukunnatlu

Translation

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing self-harm or ridicule in the process. It is used to mock people who blindly copy others without having the same inherent talent or status.

Related Phrases

Checking the auspicious time and star after shaving the head.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes action first and then looks for the right time or rules to follow. It refers to an act of 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted' or doing something in an illogical order. In traditional Indian culture, one usually checks for an auspicious day (Tithi/Nakshatram) before getting a haircut; doing so after the act is completed is futile and pointless.

Like calling out and bringing a dog's chase upon oneself.

This proverb describes a situation where someone unnecessarily invites trouble or problems by speaking up when they should have remained silent. It is used when a person's own words or actions lead to a negative consequence that could have been avoided if they had just kept quiet.

Like a fox branding itself with scars after seeing a tiger's stripes.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or qualities of the person being mimicked.

While the whole village was drying grain, someone was drying a fox's tail.

This proverb describes a person who does something useless, eccentric, or irrelevant while everyone else is engaged in productive or essential work. It is used to mock people who lack a sense of priority or follow trends in a foolish and meaningless way.

Like the fox branding itself, to match the tiger’s stripes.

The reference is to ordinary person trying to pretend that he is a great man by imitating mere external features and mannerism of a great person. By such efforts one only makes a fool of oneself.

Look at the house first, then look at the housewife.

This proverb suggests that the cleanliness and organization of a home reflect the character, management skills, and nature of the woman of the house. It is used to imply that one's environment is a mirror of their internal discipline and habits.

Like a jackal at a tomb. A tantalizing position, as he cannot get into it. Like a cat round hot milk.

This expression is used to describe a person who waits patiently and cunningly for someone's downfall or demise to gain a personal advantage. It refers to someone with predatory instincts who lingers around a situation, waiting for the right moment to exploit a loss or a tragedy for their own benefit.

The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.

This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.

Like the neighbor branding themselves after seeing the other neighbor.

This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others without considering one's own capacity, necessity, or circumstances. It is typically used when someone tries to copy another person's lifestyle or actions out of envy or competition, only to end up hurting themselves.