గాడిదకు పులితోలు కప్పినంత మాత్రాన పులి అవుతుందా?

gadidaku pulitolu kappinanta matrana puli avutunda?

Translation

Will a donkey become a tiger just by covering it with a tiger's skin?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their true nature or incompetence by putting on a false appearance of strength, wisdom, or authority. It implies that inner character cannot be changed by superficial outward changes.

Related Phrases

Can a donkey bite with strength just because it is covered with a tiger's skin?

This proverb is used to say that one cannot change their true nature or acquire strength/character merely by changing their outward appearance or pretending to be someone they are not. Just as a donkey wearing a tiger skin doesn't gain the ferocity of a tiger, a person lacking inherent talent or character cannot achieve greatness through deception.

Will a dog stop biting just because it is covered with a tiger's skin?

This expression means that a person's inherent nature or character does not change simply by changing their outward appearance or status. It is used to point out that dressing up or pretending to be something grander doesn't remove one's basic flaws or original habits.

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'.

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.

If you fail to keep your word, you will end up with infamy.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of integrity and keeping promises. It suggests that if a person goes back on their word or fails to fulfill a commitment, they will ultimately suffer a loss of reputation and be remembered poorly. It is used to advise someone to be truthful and reliable.

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.

To a donkey, its own braying sounds sweet.

This proverb is used to describe people who are unaware of their own flaws or lack of talent, often thinking highly of their own mediocre or annoying actions. It is similar to the English expression 'Every cook praises his own broth' or 'To each his own.' It can also be used to point out that personal bias makes one's own work or family appear perfect despite obvious faults.

A donkey's egg and a frog's head

This expression is used to describe something that is non-existent, nonsensical, or a complete waste of time. It refers to a ridiculous or imaginary object that has no value or reality, often used to dismiss someone's foolish claims or a futile outcome.

Why give a poet's bridle to a donkey instead of a noble horse?

This proverb is used to suggest that valuable things, refined arts, or positions of honor should be given to those who have the grace, talent, or merit to appreciate them. Giving something sophisticated or precious to someone ignorant or unworthy is a waste, much like putting a decorative bridle meant for a noble steed on a common donkey.

Grass for the donkey and wash (fodder water) for the cow

This expression describes a situation where things are mismatched, reversed, or given to the wrong recipients. It is used when resources or tasks are allocated inappropriately, resulting in a mess where neither party is satisfied or productive.