గొర్రె ఏడిస్తే తోడేలుకు కనికరమా?
gorre ediste todeluku kanikarama?
If a sheep cries, will a wolf feel any mercy?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a victim seeks sympathy from a natural enemy or a cruel person. It suggests that it is futile to expect compassion or justice from those whose nature it is to exploit or harm you.
Related Phrases
కోడెలు కోడెలు పోట్లాడి, దూడల కాళ్ళు విరుగగొట్టినట్లు
kodelu kodelu potladi, dudala kallu virugagottinatlu
Like bulls fighting and breaking the calves' legs
This expression describes a situation where powerful people or leaders fight among themselves, but the innocent, weak, or subordinates are the ones who suffer the consequences. It is used when a conflict between two major parties results in collateral damage to those who have no part in the dispute.
జీతంబత్తె లేకుండా తోడేలు గొర్రెలను కాస్తానన్నదట
jitambatte lekunda todelu gorrelanu kastanannadata
The wolf said it would guard the sheep without any salary or allowances.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person with malicious intent or a natural predator offers 'selfless' help to their prey. It warns against trusting someone who stands to benefit secretly from the very thing they are supposed to protect, highlighting hypocrisy and ulterior motives.
కూలికి ఏడిస్తే కొలుకులు తడుస్తాయా?
kuliki ediste kolukulu tadustaya?
If you cry for wages, will the corners of your eyes even get wet?
This proverb describes a situation where someone performs a task or shows emotion without any genuine interest or sincerity, usually because they are doing it purely for money or as a chore. It implies that artificial effort lacks the depth or results of true passion and sincere work.
గొర్రెల మందలో తోడేలు పడ్డట్లు
gorrela mandalo todelu paddatlu
Like a wolf entering a flock of sheep
This expression is used to describe a situation where a predator or a dangerous person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or defenseless people, causing sudden chaos and destruction. It can also describe a powerful opponent easily overcoming a weak group.
తోడేలును గొర్రెల కాపలాకు పెట్టినట్లు
todelunu gorrela kapalaku pettinatlu
Like putting a wolf to guard the sheep.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone puts a person in charge of something they are likely to exploit or destroy. It highlights the foolishness of trusting a known predator or a person with conflicting interests with the safety of their potential victims.
నుదురు భక్తుడు, నోరు తోడేలు
nuduru bhaktudu, noru todelu
A devotee on the forehead, a wolf in the mouth.
This expression is used to describe a hypocrite who puts on a show of piety or kindness outwardly (indicated by religious marks on the forehead) but speaks or acts with cruelty and greed (like a wolf). It refers to people who are 'wolves in sheep's clothing' or those whose words don't match their holy appearance.
కుక్క సింహం కాదు, కుందేలు తోడేలు కాదు
kukka simham kadu, kundelu todelu kadu
A dog is not a lion, and a rabbit is not a wolf.
This proverb is used to emphasize that every living being or individual has their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or more aggressive, just as a domestic dog cannot possess the majesty of a lion, nor can a timid rabbit become a predatory wolf.
గొర్రె ఏడిస్తే తోడేలుకు విచారమా?
gorre ediste todeluku vicharama?
When the sheep cries will the wolf be grieved ?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a predator or an enemy will never feel sympathy for their victim's suffering. It highlights the futility of seeking pity from someone who benefits from your downfall or is inherently cruel. It is often used when a powerful person exploits a weaker one and remains indifferent to their plight.
గొర్రె ఎంత ఎదిగినా తోక బెత్తెడే.
gorre enta edigina toka bettede.
No matter how much a sheep grows, its tail remains only a span long.
This proverb is used to describe someone who, despite achieving growth, success, or status, cannot escape their inherent limitations or humble origins. It suggests that certain fundamental traits or deficiencies remain unchanged regardless of external progress.
గొర్రెలలో తోడేలు జొరబడ్డట్టు
gorrelalo todelu jorabaddattu
Like a wolf rushing in among sheep. Easy prey.
This expression describes a situation where a dangerous or harmful person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or unsuspecting people. It is used to signify imminent danger, chaos, or a predator-prey dynamic where the victim has no defense.
* Doppo il radere non ci è più che tosare.