ఎముక కొరికే కుక్క ఇనుము కొరుకుతుందా?
emuka korike kukka inumu korukutunda?
Will a dog that chews on bones also chew on iron?
This proverb highlights the limits of one's abilities or tendencies. Just because someone is capable of handling a difficult or familiar task (like a dog chewing a hard bone), it doesn't mean they can handle an impossible or destructive task (like chewing iron). It is used to point out that even those with great strength or specific skills have their limits and shouldn't attempt things that are beyond their nature or capacity.
Related Phrases
నక్కబోయిన వెనుక బొక్క కొట్టుకొన్నట్లు.
nakkaboyina venuka bokka kottukonnatlu.
Like hitting the burrow after the fox has gone.
This expression refers to taking action or seeking a remedy after it is already too late. It is used to describe futile efforts made after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done, similar to the English idiom 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted'.
కొట్టక కొట్టక పక్కలో కొట్టి
kottaka kottaka pakkalo kotti
Striking and striking, but striking in the side.
This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.
ఎముక లేని చెయ్యి
emuka leni cheyyi
A hand without a bone
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely generous and charitable. Just as a hand without a bone would be flexible and unable to close or withhold, it refers to someone who gives freely to others without hesitation or stinginess.
కొంగ జపము చేపల కోసమే
konga japamu chepala kosame
The stork's meditation is only for the fish
This expression describes someone who pretends to be pious, innocent, or disinterested while actually waiting for a selfish opportunity. Just as a stork stands still like a monk only to catch a fish, it refers to hypocritical behavior or hidden agendas.
గుణం కోటికా? గునుగు కోటికా?
gunam kotika? gunugu kotika?
Is it for character or for the humming/whining?
This proverb is used to criticize someone who expects a huge reward or high status despite having a bad character or constantly complaining. It highlights the disparity between a person's actual worth (character) and their loud, demanding behavior.
పుట్టుట గిట్టుట కొరకే, పెరుగుట విరుగుట కొరకే, ధర తగ్గుట ఎచ్చుట కొరకే
puttuta gittuta korake, peruguta viruguta korake, dhara tagguta echchuta korake
Birth is for dying, growth is for breaking, and prices fall only to rise again.
This proverb highlights the cyclical and inevitable nature of life and worldly affairs. It conveys that everything that begins must end, everything that rises must eventually fall, and fluctuations (like market prices) are a natural part of existence. It is used to suggest that change is the only constant and to encourage stoicism during transitions.
ఇంటి కుక్క ఇంటి కుక్కను ముట్టనీదు
inti kukka inti kukkanu muttanidu
A house dog does not let another house dog touch it.
This proverb describes professional jealousy or rivalry between people in the same field or household. It is used when two people who are similar in status or position refuse to cooperate or show hostility toward one another despite being on the same side.
నక్క పోయిన వెనక బొక్క కొట్టుకొన్నట్టు.
nakka poyina venaka bokka kottukonnattu.
After the jackal had departed, the hole lamented and wept. Great sorrow in a household.
This proverb describes a situation where someone takes action or seeks a solution after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done. It is used to mock futile, late efforts that serve no purpose, similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.
మెడ తడవడం పూసల కొటికే.
meda tadavadam pusala kotike.
Touching the neck is for the sake of the beads.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone performs an action with a hidden, selfish motive or an ulterior objective. Just as a person might pretend to touch or adjust their neck while actually checking the value or presence of their bead necklace, it refers to people who act like they are doing something casual while their true interest lies elsewhere.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog doesn't bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any action or cause actual harm. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Barking dogs seldom bite'.