ఈ పిల్లి ఆ పాలు తాగునా?
i pilli a palu taguna?
Would this cat have drunk that milk ?
This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used to describe a person who pretends to be innocent, modest, or naive, while actually being quite the opposite. It is used when someone acts as if they are too good or too shy to do something that they are secretly very capable of or already doing.
A demure humbug.
Related Phrases
మానుపిల్లి అయినా, మట్టి పిల్లి అయినా, ఎలుకను పట్టినదే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina, matti pilli ayina, elukanu pattinade pilli
A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.
పిల్లి కళ్లు మూసుకుని పాలు తాగుతూ ఎవరూ చూడడం లేదని అనుకున్నట్లు.
pilli kallu musukuni palu tagutu evaru chudadam ledani anukunnatlu.
Like a cat shutting her eyes, and fancying that no one could see her drinking the milk. A man fancying that he is unseen when committing some crime. The forest has ears, the field has eyes. (German.)
This proverb refers to people who commit wrongdoings or deceptive acts thinking they are being clever or secretive, while in reality, their actions are obvious to everyone else. It is used to mock self-deception and the foolish belief that one can hide the truth by simply ignoring it.
పిల్లి తిన్న కోడి పిలిచినా పలుకదు
pilli tinna kodi pilichina palukadu
A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.
బండి చక్రం పిల్లి కాలు తొక్కితే, పిల్లి ఎలుకపై మీసాలు దువ్వినదట
bandi chakram pilli kalu tokkite, pilli elukapai misalu duvvinadata
When a cart wheel ran over a cat's leg, the cat twirled its whiskers at a mouse.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is hurt or humiliated by a superior or an uncontrollable force vents their frustration and displays false bravado toward someone weaker than them. It highlights the tendency to deflect anger onto subordinates instead of addressing the actual source of the problem.
తాను గాక పిల్లి కూడానా?
tanu gaka pilli kudana?
Is a cat to come as well as himself? Said when a man who is already a burden upon others, brings some one else with him. Amongst the Hindus a cat is an evil omen.
This expression is used to mock someone who, despite being incapable of helping themselves or being in a dire state, tries to take on additional burdens or pretend they can provide for others. It highlights the irony of someone who cannot sustain themselves but is followed by others (like a pet cat) expecting to be fed.
తల్లికి కూడు పెట్టనివాడు తగుదు తగుదునని తగువు తీర్చ వచ్చినట్టు
talliki kudu pettanivadu tagudu tagudunani taguvu tircha vachchinattu
Like a man who neglects his mother coming with a bold face to settle a dispute between others. Shamefacedness.
This proverb is used to criticize hypocrites who ignore their primary responsibilities at home but act like wise leaders or mediators in public affairs. It highlights the irony of someone trying to solve others' problems while failing at their most basic moral duties.
గోడమీది పిల్లి వాటం
godamidi pilli vatam
The tendency of a cat on a wall
This expression refers to someone who is indecisive or waiting to see which side is more advantageous before taking a stand. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it describes a person with a neutral or opportunistic stance who hasn't committed to a particular side yet.
తల్లిలేని పిల్ల దయ్యాల పాలు.
tallileni pilla dayyala palu.
A motherless child is left to the mercy of ghosts.
This proverb highlights the vulnerability and neglect a child might face without a mother's protection. It is used to express that someone without a primary guardian or advocate is often mistreated or exploited by others.
ఇంటి పిల్లికి పొరుగింటి పిల్లి తోడు
inti pilliki poruginti pilli todu
The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.
పాలు తాగని పిల్లి ఉంటుందా?
palu tagani pilli untunda?
Is there a cat that doesn't drink milk?
This rhetorical question is used to describe a situation where someone is naturally or inevitably tempted by something they love. It is often applied when someone pretends to be disinterested in something they actually desire, or to imply that it is impossible for a person to resist a specific, habitual temptation.