ఈనిన పులికి ఆకలెక్కువ.

inina puliki akalekkuva.

Translation

A tiger that has just given birth is hungrier.

Meaning

This proverb describes someone who is in a highly aggressive, sensitive, or dangerous state after a significant exertion or loss. Just as a tigress is extremely protective and ferocious after birthing her cubs due to hunger and instinct, it is used to warn others to stay away from someone who is currently in a very volatile or provoked mood.

Related Phrases

Though the tiger be hungry will it eat grass ?

This expression is used to describe a person's inherent nature or integrity. It suggests that a person of high principles or specific traits will not compromise their character or stoop to low levels even when faced with extreme hardship or desperate situations.

An unfortunate person has more hunger, while a luckless person has more sleep.

This proverb describes people who lack ambition or resources but are overwhelmed by basic bodily needs or laziness. It is often used to criticize someone who, despite being in a poor or difficult situation, remains unproductive or spends their time excessively eating and sleeping instead of working to improve their circumstances.

Poverty is accompanied by extreme hunger

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone lacks resources but has excessive needs or demands. It highlights the irony of having the least capacity to fulfill requirements while having the greatest desires or appetites. It is often used to comment on how problems seem to multiply for those already in a miserable state.

A tiger that has just given birth

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely aggressive, fierce, or in a state of high tension. Just as a tigress is most protective and dangerous immediately after giving birth, this phrase characterizes someone who is dangerously irritable or ready to attack at the slightest provocation.

Saturn (bad luck) sleeps too much, while poverty is always hungry.

This proverb describes the characteristics of misfortune and poverty. It suggests that bad luck or an ill-fated person is often lazy or slow to act (represented by sleep), whereas poverty is a relentless, consuming force that is never satisfied (represented by hunger). It is used to describe a state of chronic misery where one is stuck in a cycle of lethargy and desperation.

Is a deer too big a hunt for a tiger cub?

This expression implies that innate talent or heritage shows early. Just as a tiger cub is naturally capable of hunting, someone born into a certain lineage or possessing natural talent will inevitably exhibit those skills without effort. It is used to describe someone who shows great potential or follows in the footsteps of their illustrious ancestors.

Is an antelope equal to a tiger's cub ?

This expression is used to signify that even a young or small version of something powerful (like a tiger cub) is far superior to something that is naturally weak (like a deer). It is used to mock an underdog trying to challenge someone from a line of greatness or inherent strength.

Like a tigress that has just given birth falling upon you.

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely aggressive, fierce, or reacting with sudden and intense rage. Just as a tigress is most protective and dangerous right after giving birth, it refers to a situation where a person attacks or scolds someone with peak intensity.

An empty pot shakes (sways) more.

This proverb is used to describe people who have little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display excessive arrogance. It is the Telugu equivalent of the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.' It suggests that those who are truly capable or knowledgeable remain calm and steady, while those lacking substance tend to overcompensate with boastful behavior.

The tiger is the goat's support, and the goat is the tiger's support.

This expression describes a situation of mutual dependency or a symbiotic relationship where two unlikely or even opposing parties rely on each other for survival or benefit. It is used to highlight how seemingly contradictory elements can sometimes form a necessary partnership.