గట్టిచేత లేనివాణ్ణి గొర్రెకూడా కరుస్తుంది
gatticheta lenivanni gorrekuda karustundi
Even a sheep will bite a person who lacks firmness.
This proverb highlights that if a person is weak, timid, or lacks a strong will, even the most harmless or weak creatures (or people) will try to dominate or bully them. It is used to emphasize the importance of self-confidence and strength in character to prevent others from taking advantage.
Related Phrases
కర్రలేని వాణ్ణి గొర్రైనా కరుస్తుంది
karraleni vanni gorraina karustundi
Even a sheep will bite a man who does not carry a stick.
This proverb highlights that if a person lacks power, authority, or the means to defend themselves, even the most harmless or weak individuals will try to take advantage of or bully them. It is used to describe the importance of being prepared or having some form of authority to maintain respect.
చిక్కిన సింహాన్ని బక్కకుక్క కూడా కరుస్తుంది
chikkina simhanni bakkakukka kuda karustundi
Even a lean dog will bite a lion that is trapped.
This proverb highlights how even the weak or cowardly take advantage of a powerful person when they are in a vulnerable, helpless, or weakened position. It is used to describe how circumstances can humiliate even the greatest of people.
చీకటిచేత వెలుతురు రాణిస్తుంది
chikaticheta veluturu ranistundi
Light shines better because of darkness
This expression emphasizes that the value of something good is truly appreciated only in the presence or aftermath of something bad. Just as light is most visible and beautiful in the dark, happiness is better understood after experiencing sorrow, or success after failure.
లేనివాడు పుడమి లేనివాడు.
lenivadu pudami lenivadu.
One who has not is as one who is not in the world. i. e. A penniless man has nothing in the world.
This proverb highlights the harsh reality of social status and poverty. It suggests that a person without wealth or resources is often treated as if they have no place or belonging in the world, emphasizing how society values individuals based on their possessions.
పెట్టుపోతలు లేని వట్టికూతలు - పూవు పిందె లేని వట్టిచెట్టు
pettupotalu leni vattikutalu - puvu pinde leni vattichettu
Empty shouts without giving and sharing is like a barren tree without flowers or young fruit.
This proverb is used to criticize people who make tall claims, give advice, or talk excessively without actually being generous or helpful. Just as a tree that produces no flowers or fruit is useless despite its size, empty words without meaningful actions or charity are considered worthless in a relationship or society.
కట్టికుపెట్టినా, గొట్టికుపెట్టినా చెడదు
kattikupettina, gottikupettina chedadu
Whether you feed it to a milch cow or a barren one, it is not wasted.
This expression refers to the value of food or charity. It implies that feeding a living being—whether productive (like a cow that gives milk) or non-productive (a barren one)—is never a waste and always results in merit or satisfaction. It is often used to encourage generosity without over-calculating the utility of the recipient.
కర్ర లేనివాణ్ని గొర్రె అయినా కరుస్తుంది
karra lenivanni gorre ayina karustundi
Even a sheep will bite a man without a stick. Every man should be prepared to defend himself.
This proverb highlights that if you are perceived as weak, defenseless, or lacking authority, even the most harmless or timid individuals will try to take advantage of you or bully you. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining strength or influence to command respect and prevent mistreatment.
సామెత లేని మాట ఆమెత లేని ఇల్లు
sameta leni mata ameta leni illu
A word without a proverb is like a house without a feast.
This expression highlights the cultural importance of proverbs in Telugu language and conversation. Just as a home feels empty and unwelcoming without hospitality or a meal for guests, a speech or conversation lacks depth, wisdom, and flavor if it doesn't incorporate proverbs.
అంతంతవాళ్లే చూస్తే ఆవు పెయ్యే కుమ్మ వస్తుంది.
antantavalle chuste avu peyye kumma vastundi.
If one looks at the great and mighty, even a cow's calf will try to gore them.
This proverb is used to describe an underdog or a less significant person gaining courage or audacity to challenge powerful people when they see others doing the same, or when the mighty appear vulnerable. It reflects on how influence or momentum can make even the weak act boldly against those who are traditionally superior.
కాని కాలానికి కట్టె పామై కరుస్తుంది
kani kalaniki katte pamai karustundi
In bad times, even a stick turns into a snake and bites.
This proverb is used to describe a period of misfortune where everything seems to go wrong. It implies that when one is going through a streak of bad luck, even harmless objects or trusted situations can unexpectedly cause harm or turn against them.