గట్టిచేత లేనివాణ్ణి గొర్రెకూడా కరుస్తుంది

gatticheta lenivanni gorrekuda karustundi

Translation

Even a sheep will bite a person who lacks firmness.

Meaning

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.