ఏనుగును ఎక్కినవాడు కుక్క కూతకు జడియడు.

enugunu ekkinavadu kukka kutaku jadiyadu.

Translation

One who is riding an elephant will not be scared by the barking of a dog.

Meaning

This proverb describes a person of high status, great character, or strong resolve who remains unbothered by petty criticisms or the noise of insignificant detractors. It is used to encourage someone to stay focused on their large goals without worrying about small-minded opposition.

Related Phrases

The one who mounts the bull is Shiva, and the one who sits on the throne is the King.

This proverb highlights that power, position, or status is often defined by the seat or authority one occupies. It suggests that once a person reaches a position of power (the throne), they are automatically respected or recognized as the ruler, regardless of their prior identity. It is often used to describe how people's perception of an individual changes based on their newfound status or authority.

Anger on the tip of the nose

This expression is used to describe someone who is short-tempered or gets angry very quickly and easily. It implies that their anger is always 'at the ready' right on their face.

[ The monkey ] may either kill the louse, or bite off the ear.

This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.

The man who has mounted an elephant will not be afraid at the bark of a dog. He who is in favor with the great will not fear the enmity of the mean.

This proverb suggests that a person of high character, power, or confidence should not be bothered by the petty criticisms or insults of small-minded people. It is used to advise someone to ignore insignificant distractions or critics when they are focused on a great goal.

Don't send even your enemy near a dog which has vomited, or a bitch which has pupped.

This proverb highlights situations of extreme irritability and danger. A dog that has vomited is often sick and unpredictable, while a dog with newborns is fiercely protective and aggressive. It teaches that one should not put anyone—even a foe—into a situation where certain harm or irrational fury is expected.

A dog that barks does not bite.

It is said that a shouting man does not harm really. It is not necessary to take the loud threats of one seriously, because one may not really be able to carry out one’s threats.

He who rides on a bullock is Lingaḍu (Śiva), he who rides on a kite is Rangaḍu (Vishṇu). i. e. the two are but one under different forms. Said by Smārtas.

This expression emphasizes that people are recognized and defined by their unique status, vehicles, or attributes. Just as Shiva is identified by his bull (Nandi) and Vishnu by his eagle (Garuda), everyone has their own distinct identity or role that defines them. It is used to suggest that individuals should be judged or identified by their specific characteristics or accomplishments.

A barking dog does not bite

This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.

He won't be burnt with fire, he won't be wet with water. Said of an obstinate blockhead.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely clever, slippery, or resilient. It refers to someone who can navigate through any dangerous or difficult situation without being affected or caught, similar to someone who is 'untouchable' or 'invincible'.

While the arrogant one stares at the horizons, the one in the palanquin looks to the side.

This proverb highlights the difference between hollow arrogance and actual status. It is used to describe a person who is overly conceited or 'high-headed' (dimaku) without any real accomplishment, contrasting them with someone who actually holds a position of importance but is more grounded or observant.