ఎలుకతోలు ఎంత తోమినా నలుపే
elukatolu enta tomina nalupe
No matter how much you scrub a rat's skin, it remains black.
This proverb is used to describe an inherent nature or character that cannot be changed regardless of effort, education, or external polishing. It is similar to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots.'
Related Phrases
కస్తూరి నలుపే, తిలపిండి నలుపే
kasturi nalupe, tilapindi nalupe
Musk is black, and sesame seed cake is also black.
This expression highlights that things which appear identical on the surface can have vastly different intrinsic values. Just as expensive musk and cheap sesame residue look similar because of their color, one cannot judge the quality or worth of something based solely on its external appearance.
కోడి నలుపైనా గుడ్డు తెలుపే
kodi nalupaina guddu telupe
Even if the hen is black, the egg is white.
This proverb is used to emphasize that one's appearance, origin, or external circumstances do not dictate the quality or value of what they produce. It is often used to say that wisdom or good results can come from anyone, regardless of their background or status.
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు, కోరి గొర్రెతోలు కప్పుతారు.
mechchi mekatolu, kori gorretolu kapputaru.
They praise and cover with goat skin, then choose and cover with sheep skin.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deceived by superficial praise or false appreciation. It suggests that while people may outwardly compliment or flatter you, their underlying intentions might involve imposing burdens or exploiting you under the guise of 'honor' or 'favor'.
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు కప్పమన్నాట్టు
mechchi mekatolu kappamannattu
Appreciating someone and then asking them to wear a goatskin.
This proverb describes a situation where someone offers praise or appreciation initially, but follows it up with a suggestion or action that is actually insulting, downgrading, or harmful. It is used when a person's supposed 'reward' or 'compliment' turns out to be a burden or a mockery of their true status.
కోడలు నలుపైతే కులమంతా నలుపగునా?
kodalu nalupaite kulamanta nalupaguna?
If the daughter-in-law is dark-skinned, does the entire lineage become dark?
This proverb is used to criticize the act of judging an entire family or group based on the perceived physical flaws or mistakes of a single individual (specifically a new entrant like a daughter-in-law). It highlights that one person's traits do not define or diminish the status of the whole collective.
ఎలుక తోలు తెచ్చి ఎన్నాళ్ళు ఉతికినా, నలుపు నలుపే గాని తెలుపు రాదు
eluka tolu techchi ennallu utikina, nalupu nalupe gani telupu radu
No matter how many days you wash a rat's skin, it remains black and will never turn white.
This proverb is used to describe an individual's inherent nature or character. It suggests that a person's basic personality, especially if it is flawed or wicked, cannot be changed by external efforts, advice, or superficial improvements. It is similar to the English expression 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.
కాకి పుట్టి నలుపే పెరిగి నలుపే
kaki putti nalupe perigi nalupe
The crow is black when it is born, and black when it is grown.
This expression is used to describe something or someone that remains unchanged regardless of time or circumstances. It implies that certain inherent traits, habits, or characters are permanent and will not change as one grows or matures. It is often used to refer to people who do not learn from experience or who maintain their original nature (often a negative one) forever.
What's bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh. The wolf changes his hair but not his nature. (Latina.)!
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు కోరి గొర్రెతోలు కప్పుతారు
mechchi mekatolu kori gorretolu kapputaru
If they approve of you they will cover you with a goat- skin; and if they choose you, with a sheepskin.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's kindness or simple needs are exploited. It suggests that when a person is too accommodating or humble, others take advantage of them by giving them low-quality things or burdens under the guise of 'honoring' or 'favoring' them. It highlights how modesty can sometimes invite mistreatment.
కోడలు నలుపు అయితే, కులమంతా నలుపు.
kodalu nalupu ayite, kulamanta nalupu.
If the daughter-in-law be black, the whole family will be blackened. i. e. a bad daughter-in-law will bring disgrace on her husband's family.
This proverb reflects traditional social biases where the qualities or perceived flaws of a new entrant (the daughter-in-law) are unfairly attributed to the reputation or lineage of the entire family. It is often used to describe how a single person's traits or actions are sometimes used by society to judge an entire community or group.
ఏడు ఎండల విత్తనాలు ఎంత వరపుకైనా ఆగుతాయి.
edu endala vittanalu enta varapukaina agutayi.
Seeds that have endured seven summers can withstand any drought.
This proverb highlights the value of resilience and experience. Just as seeds dried and hardened through many summers become tough enough to survive severe droughts, people who have faced and overcome numerous hardships gain the strength and wisdom to withstand any future adversity.