ఇఱ్ఱిని చూసి బఱ్ఱి వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్లు
irrini chusi barri vata pettukunnatlu
Like a buffalo getting a branding mark after seeing a spotted deer.
This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others who are naturally superior or different, only to end up hurting oneself. It refers to someone trying to achieve a natural trait of another (like the beautiful spots of a deer) through painful and artificial means (like branding a buffalo), which ultimately results in futile suffering.
Related Phrases
తల్లిని చూసి పిల్లను, పాలను చూచి బర్రెను కొనాలి.
tallini chusi pillanu, palanu chuchi barrenu konali.
Look at the mother before choosing the daughter; look at the milk before buying the buffalo.
This proverb emphasizes that heredity, upbringing, and proven quality are essential factors when making long-term commitments or choices. Just as a buffalo's value is determined by its milk yield, a person's character and traits are often influenced by their lineage and parental upbringing. It is commonly used as advice when considering marriage alliances.
పులిని చూసి నక్క వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్లు
pulini chusi nakka vata pettukunnatlu
Like a fox branding itself with scars after seeing a tiger's stripes.
This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or qualities of the person being mimicked.
వాపును చూసి బలము అనుకున్నదట.
vapunu chusi balamu anukunnadata.
On seeing the swelling, she took it as a sign of growing strength
Swelling is not healthy growth. We should be wise in our judgment and should not rush to conclusions, by merely noting the external appearances.
పులిని చూసీ నక్క వాత బెట్టుకున్నట్ళు.
pulini chusi nakka vata bettukunnatlu.
Like the fox branding itself, to match the tiger’s stripes.
The reference is to ordinary person trying to pretend that he is a great man by imitating mere external features and mannerism of a great person. By such efforts one only makes a fool of oneself.
శత్రువుని చూసి కోపం సంతుని చూసి శాంతం
shatruvuni chusi kopam santuni chusi shantam
Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint
This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.
పులిని చూసి నక్క వాత పెట్టుకున్నట్టు
pulini chusi nakka vata pettukunnattu
The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.
This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.
వంతు పెట్టుకున్నా వాత వేసుకొనేదానికిచ్చి పెట్టుకోవాల
vantu pettukunna vata vesukonedanikichchi pettukovala
Even if you compete, compete for something that is worth getting branded for.
This proverb suggests that if one chooses to compete or strive for something, it should be for a prize or goal that is truly valuable and worth the sacrifice or effort involved. It discourages wasting energy on trivial competitions.
కట్టుకున్న మొగుడు, పెట్టుకున్న నగలు.
kattukunna mogudu, pettukunna nagalu.
The husband one is married to, the jewelry one is wearing.
This expression highlights the items or people that truly belong to a person and provide real security or status. It is used to emphasize that only what is legally yours or physically in your possession can be relied upon in times of need or social standing.
పులిని చూచి నక్క వాతలు పెట్టుకొన్నట్లు
pulini chuchi nakka vatalu pettukonnatlu
Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.
This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.
ఎత్తుక తిన్నవాణ్ణి పొత్తులో పెట్టుకుంటే, అంతా తీసి బొంతలో పెట్టుకున్నాడట
ettuka tinnavanni pottulo pettukunte, anta tisi bontalo pettukunnadata
When a thief who steals and eats was taken as a partner, he stole everything and hid it in his bundle.
This proverb warns against trusting a person with a known history of dishonesty or theft. It implies that if you enter into a partnership or trust someone who is habitually untrustworthy, you shouldn't be surprised when they eventually betray you or steal your belongings. It is used to describe situations where someone suffers a loss due to their own poor judgment in choosing associates.