గుణం కోటికా? గునుగు కోటికా?

gunam kotika? gunugu kotika?

Translation

Is it for character or for the humming/whining?

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

An unjust man is worse than a monkey.

This proverb is used to highlight that moral values and integrity are what define a human being. Without them, a person's behavior can be more unpredictable or destructive than that of a wild animal, specifically a monkey, which is known for its restless and mischievous nature.

Like making a monkey drink toddy (palm wine)

This expression is used to describe a situation where a naturally mischievous or restless person becomes even more uncontrollable, chaotic, or hyperactive due to external factors. It is used when someone's existing negative traits are amplified by bad influence or circumstances.

Does every thing that comes from milk possess good qua- lities? Good qualities are not always possessed by people of high birth.

This expression implies that noble birth or being born into a wealthy or virtuous family does not automatically guarantee that a person will possess good character or virtues. It emphasizes that character is determined by one's own nature and actions rather than lineage.

Like a monkey bitten by a scorpion

This expression is used to describe a person who is naturally restless or mischievous, but becomes even more hyperactive, erratic, or uncontrollable due to a specific provocation or situation. It highlights a state of extreme agitation added to an already unstable personality.

A quarter-sized monkey ate three-quarters of jaggery.

This expression is used to describe a situation where the maintenance, overhead, or secondary costs of an item far exceed the actual value of the item itself. It highlights disproportionate consumption or waste where a small entity consumes a large amount of resources.

A house without elders is like a cattle shed.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of elders in a family. It suggests that without the guidance, wisdom, and discipline provided by older family members, a household becomes chaotic, unorganized, and lacks direction, much like a barn full of unruly animals.

Pulling towards the river leads to the hill, and pulling towards the hill leads to the river.

This proverb describes a state of total lack of coordination, inconsistency, or being at cross-purposes. It is used when efforts are counterproductive or when people involved in a task are pulling in opposite directions, resulting in no progress or chaotic results.

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.

Like the fury of a weak monkey.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an already troublesome or mischievous person gains extra power or becomes hyperactive, leading to uncontrollable chaos. It implies that when someone naturally prone to creating problems gets a new reason or energy to act out, the resulting situation is disastrous or ridiculous.

Impotent rage.

When he stands up, he is not even a man; when he moves, he is not even a monkey.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely lazy, lethargic, or utterly useless. It suggests that the person lacks the basic initiative or physical activity expected of a human being, and doesn't even possess the agility or energy of a monkey.