గుట్టకు మొరిగినా కుక్క గుడ్లు వెళ్ళి చచ్చిందట

guttaku morigina kukka gudlu velli chachchindata

Translation

The dog barked at the hill until its eyeballs popped out and it died.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone exerts immense effort or anger against a person or entity that is far more powerful or indifferent. It signifies that futile opposition or barking at something unshakeable only results in self-destruction or exhaustion for the instigator, without affecting the target at all.

Related Phrases

The dogs barked six months after the robbery.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where action is taken far too late to be of any use. It highlights the futility of a delayed response or a 'better late than never' approach that is so delayed that the damage is long done and irrecoverable.

A life habituated to eating died out of restlessness.

This proverb describes a person who becomes so addicted to a certain luxury, comfort, or habit that they suffer immensely or perish when they can no longer access it. It is used to caution against developing excessive dependencies or greed.

Like dogs barking at an elephant.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where small-minded or insignificant people criticize or mock someone far superior or powerful. It implies that the superior person (the elephant) is unaffected by the noisy, futile criticisms (the barking dogs) and continues on their path with dignity.

A dog used to being fed waited at the riverbank.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, having once enjoyed a benefit or easy gain at a certain place or from a certain task, keeps returning there or waiting expectantly for it to happen again. It highlights the tendency of people (or animals) to become habitual or persistent when they anticipate a reward based on past experience.

It is like a dog barking after seeing an elephant.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an insignificant or weak person tries to insult, provoke, or challenge someone who is far superior, powerful, or dignified. Just as an elephant ignores the barking of a dog and continues its walk, a great person remains unaffected by the petty criticisms of those beneath them.

The donkey barked instead of the dog

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone incompetent or unqualified tries to perform a task belonging to an expert, leading to failure or a ridiculous outcome. It highlights the mismatch between a person's abilities and the role they are trying to fulfill.

A dog used to being fed died due to starvation.

This proverb describes a person who becomes so dependent on easy gains or others' generosity that they lose the ability to work or fend for themselves. When the easy support stops, they suffer or perish because they haven't cultivated self-reliance. It is used to warn against the dangers of being pampered or overly dependent on handouts.

Even if a dog from Kuchipudi barks, it is music.

This proverb highlights the influence of one's environment and upbringing. Kuchipudi is a village famous for its classical dance and music; therefore, the saying suggests that in a place so deeply rooted in art, even the most mundane sounds (like a dog barking) possess artistic quality. It is used to describe a person who is so naturally talented or well-trained that even their casual efforts are impressive.

Even if a dog barks in Kuchipudi, it sounds like music.

This proverb is used to highlight the prestige or high standards of a place or environment known for a specific art or excellence. Kuchipudi is a village famous for the classical dance form of the same name. The saying implies that when you are in a place filled with talent and culture, even the most mundane or random sounds seem refined and artistic.

After howling and howling, the fox supposedly died of exhaustion.

This proverb is used to describe someone who talks excessively, brags, or complains pointlessly until they eventually wear themselves out or fail due to their own unnecessary actions. It highlights the futility of over-exertion in a useless endeavor.