కమ్మ నీచు కడిగినా పోదు, కాకిచిప్ప పెట్టి గోకినా పోదు.
kamma nichu kadigina podu, kakichippa petti gokina podu.
The smell of Kammavâru cannot be got rid of by washing, or scraping with a shell. Kammavâru are a class of Telugu Śûdras, whose occupation is farming. They are proverbially dirty people.
This is a historical caste-based proverb used to suggest that certain inherent traits, habits, or reputations cannot be altered or hidden regardless of how much effort one puts into cleaning or changing themselves. It reflects the social prejudices of the time regarding intrinsic nature.
Related Phrases
దమ్మన్న దాడి పొమ్మన్నా పోదు
dammanna dadi pommanna podu
Dammanna's raid won't leave even if told to go
This proverb is used to describe a persistent problem, an unwanted guest, or a stubborn situation that refuses to go away despite several attempts to get rid of it. It refers to a nuisance that has overstayed its welcome.
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
కడిగిన నోరు, అడిగిన పిల్ల.
kadigina noru, adigina pilla.
A washed mouth and a child who asks.
This proverb highlights two things that are always ready or desirable. A 'washed mouth' refers to a clean mouth ready to eat, and an 'asking child' refers to a child who is curious, expressive, or communicative about their needs, which is considered a sign of healthy development and clarity.
కాడి పోట్లలో కత్తితో గోకినట్లు
kadi potlalo kattito gokinatlu
Like scratching with a knife on the wounds caused by a yoke.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone adds to another person's existing pain or misery. Just as scratching a sore spot (caused by the heavy wooden yoke on an ox's neck) with a sharp knife would cause excruciating pain instead of relief, this phrase refers to actions that worsen an already difficult or hurtful situation.
కుక్కను చంపిన పాపం గుడి కట్టినా పోదు
kukkanu champina papam gudi kattina podu
The sin of killing a dog cannot be expiated even by building a temple.
This expression is used to emphasize that certain misdeeds or cruel acts are so grave that no amount of subsequent good deeds, charity, or religious penance can atone for them. It highlights that the consequences of a fundamental wrong cannot be easily erased by superficial acts of virtue.
పెట్టినమ్మ పుణ్యానపోదు, పెట్టనమ్మ పాపాన పోదు.
pettinamma punyanapodu, pettanamma papana podu.
The woman who serves/gives doesn't go to heaven just for that, and the woman who doesn't serve doesn't go to hell just for that.
This expression is used to highlight that charity or hospitality should be done out of genuine kindness rather than for spiritual rewards or out of fear of sin. It suggests that one's character and overall actions matter more than a single act of giving or refusing. It is often used to tell someone not to be too proud of their charity or too judgmental of others' lack thereof.
చవి ఎరిగిన కుక్క చావ గొట్టినా పోదు.
chavi erigina kukka chava gottina podu.
A dog that has tasted something delicious will not leave even if beaten to death.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has experienced a certain pleasure, profit, or benefit and refuses to give it up or leave the source, despite facing hardships, insults, or punishments. It highlights how difficult it is to break a habit or detach someone from a lucrative situation once they have experienced its taste.
చవి ఎరిగిన కుక్క చావగొట్టినా పోదు
chavi erigina kukka chavagottina podu
A dog attached [to his master] will not leave him though he be beaten [almost] to death.
This proverb describes a person who has experienced a certain benefit, habit, or pleasure and refuses to give it up despite facing harsh consequences, insults, or punishment. It is often used to refer to someone who repeatedly returns to a place or situation where they once found profit or enjoyment, regardless of the risks involved.
నేర్చిన బుద్ధి పుట్టినా పోదు
nerchina buddhi puttina podu
A learned habit does not go away even after death
This expression is used to describe deeply ingrained habits or character traits that are nearly impossible to change. It suggests that once a behavior or mindset is firmly established, it stays with a person throughout their entire life, often used in a critical context about someone's recurring negative traits.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.