కాకి చిక్కిన గొడ్డు డొక్క చీలుస్తుంది కానీ, బలిసిన పసరం పొంతకు పోగలదా?
kaki chikkina goddu dokka chilustundi kani, balisina pasaram pontaku pogalada?
A crow will peck at the belly of a weak animal, but can it even go near a healthy beast?
This proverb highlights how bullies and predators target the vulnerable and weak. Just as a crow only dares to attack a sickly, emaciated cow, cowardly people or opportunistic problems only affect those who lack the strength or resources to defend themselves. It is used to describe situations where someone takes advantage of another's misfortune or helplessness.
Related Phrases
ఒళ్ళు వంగనివాడు దొంగలతో కలిసినాడట.
ollu vanganivadu dongalato kalisinadata.
The one who doesn't bend his body (lazy person) supposedly joined a gang of thieves.
This proverb is used to describe a person who is so lazy and averse to hard work that they prefer to take the shortcut of joining criminals rather than putting in manual effort. It highlights how laziness can lead a person toward a path of dishonesty or crime.
బుడ్డది చిక్కినా కష్టమే, బలిసినా కష్టమే
buddadi chikkina kashtame, balisina kashtame
If the young girl gets thin it's a problem, if she grows too fat it's also a problem.
This proverb is used to describe a delicate or troublesome situation where there is no perfect outcome. No matter which way things turn out, there will be difficulties or complaints. It is often used to refer to people who are never satisfied or situations that are inherently problematic regardless of the change in state.
చిక్కిన తగువా, చిక్కని తగువా
chikkina taguva, chikkani taguva
A quarrel that is caught, or a quarrel that is not caught?
This expression is used to describe a situation or an argument that is complicated and difficult to settle. It refers to a dilemma where one is unsure whether a dispute is manageable (caught) or completely out of control and slippery (not caught), highlighting a state of confusion or persistent trouble.
పొదుగు చింపిన పసరం పోతు నీనుతుందా?
podugu chimpina pasaram potu ninutunda?
Will a cow whose udder is torn give birth to a male calf?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where the foundation or the source is destroyed, making the expected outcome impossible. It implies that if you ruin the essential part of something, you cannot expect it to yield results anymore. It is often used to criticize short-sighted actions that cause permanent damage.
చిక్కానికి చేరులు తీసినట్లు
chikkaniki cherulu tisinatlu
Like removing the strands from a net-bag (Chikkani)
This expression describes a slow, tedious, or deliberate process of dismantling something or creating trouble. It specifically refers to the act of unraveling a rope bag (chikkani) strand by strand, implying a task that is done with calculated effort, often to cause subtle harm or to systematically strip away resources.
తోక తొక్కిన పాములాగా లేచాడు
toka tokkina pamulaga lechadu
He sprang up like a serpent when its tail is trodden on. Applied to a sudden burst of anger in any one on his evil ways being exposed.
This expression is used to describe someone who reacts with sudden, intense, and fierce anger. Just as a snake strikes back instantly and aggressively when its tail is stepped on, this phrase characterizes a person who becomes extremely provoked or defensive due to an insult or an injury.
బొట్టు పసేగాని, బోనం పసలేదు
bottu pasegani, bonam pasaledu
The bindi (decoration) has splendor, but the meal has no substance.
This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a lot of external show, pomp, or decoration, but the core essence or quality is lacking. It refers to something that looks impressive on the outside but is disappointing in reality.
ఏనుగునెక్కినవాడు దిడ్డికంత దూరగలడా?
enugunekkinavadu diddikanta duragalada?
Can a person riding an elephant pass through a small wicket-gate?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who has attained a high status or is involved in a massive undertaking cannot fit into or resort to small, narrow, or petty ways. It emphasizes that great positions come with certain limitations and one cannot expect the same flexibility as someone in a minor position.
వరి చెడి ఊదర బలిసినట్లు
vari chedi udara balisinatlu
Like the rice crop failing while the weeds flourish
This expression is used to describe a situation where the main objective or productive element is ruined, while useless or parasitic elements thrive. It refers to a field where the actual paddy crop is destroyed, but the weeds (Oodara) grow thick and healthy. It is used in contexts where unworthy people prosper at the expense of the worthy.
గొడ్డు బలిస్తే పాటుకి, మనిషి బలిస్తే కాటికి.
goddu baliste patuki, manishi baliste katiki.
If cattle get fat they go to work, if a person gets arrogant they go to the cemetery.
This proverb warns against arrogance and over-indulgence. In the case of livestock, gaining weight/strength means they are put to harder labor. However, when a human becomes 'fat' with ego or pride (balupu), it leads to their downfall or destruction. It is often used to humble someone who is acting overly proud or reckless due to their wealth or power.