ఏ వాడ చిలుక ఆ వాడ పలుకు పలుకుతుంది

e vada chiluka a vada paluku palukutundi

Translation

The parrot of a street speaks the language of that street.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a firm stance or individual principles, instead adapting their speech and behavior to please the people they are currently with. It can also refer to how someone's environment or upbringing heavily influences their dialect and opinions.

Related Phrases

The speech of a parrot, the grace of a cuckoo.

This expression is used to describe a person who possesses both sweet, pleasant speech and a graceful, charming personality. It highlights a combination of auditory and behavioral beauty.

A tongueless bone can say anything.

This expression is used to describe people who make irresponsible statements, false promises, or inconsistent claims because the tongue is flexible and has no bone to restrain it. It highlights that talk is cheap and people can easily lie or change their words without consequence.

The parrot of a particular nest will speak the language of that nest.

This proverb means that people's behavior, thoughts, and speech are heavily influenced by the environment or company they grow up in. It is used to describe how a person's background or upbringing dictates their character and actions.

Words are gold, but character is thinner than milk.

This expression describes a hypocritical person who speaks very sweet, valuable, or virtuous words (like gold) but possesses a weak, watery, or poor character (thinner than milk). It is used to warn others about individuals whose actions and true nature do not match their eloquent speech.

If you bring a crow and put it in a cage, will it speak like a parrot?

This proverb suggests that a person's inherent nature or character cannot be changed simply by changing their environment or giving them better facilities. It is used to describe situations where someone lacks the natural talent, wisdom, or temperament for a specific role, no matter how much they are encouraged or forced.

Tightened it's nothing, but if it comes, can even his father stop it? Famine answers if called in Rayalaseema, but it answers without even calling in Anantapur.

This is a poignant regional proverb highlighting the extreme drought conditions of the Rayalaseema region, specifically Anantapur district. It suggests that while famine is a recurring threat in the larger region, it is so persistent in Anantapur that it doesn't even need an invitation to manifest. It is used to describe chronic poverty, lack of rainfall, and the inevitable nature of hardship in arid lands.

If you put a crow in a cage will it talk like a parrot?

This expression is used to highlight that an individual's innate nature or character cannot be changed by simply altering their environment or appearances. Just as a crow cannot sing like a parrot regardless of its surroundings, a person lacking refinement or specific virtues cannot suddenly exhibit them just by being placed in an elite or sophisticated setting.

Wash a dog, comb a dog, still a dog is but a dog. (French.)*

If an owl is placed in a parrot's cage, will it move or speak?

This proverb is used to describe a person who is out of their depth or placed in a sophisticated environment where they do not belong. Just as an owl remains silent and awkward in a cage designed for a singing parrot, a person lacking knowledge or social grace will remain unresponsive or 'clueless' when placed in a situation that requires intellect or refined behavior.

A brass parrot for the house, a golden parrot for the outside.

This proverb describes a person who presents a false, prestigious image to the world while living in poor or mediocre conditions at home. It is used to critique someone who prioritizes outward show and vanity over their actual internal reality or family's well-being.

A tongue without bones (nerves) speaks in many ways.

This proverb is used to describe how people can easily change their words, lie, or speak inconsistently because the tongue is flexible and lacks structural restraint. It is often a criticism of someone who makes false promises or shifts their stance conveniently.