కొలను ఎండినంత కొక్కెర లుండునా

kolanu endinanta kokkera lunduna

Translation

Will the cranes remain once the pond dries up?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe fair-weather friends or opportunistic people. Just as cranes leave a pond the moment the water vanishes, certain people will only stay with you as long as you have wealth, power, or resources. They will abandon you as soon as your 'pond' (prosperity) dries up.

Related Phrases

All of it is just a hole/gap

This expression is used to describe a situation where there is a total loss, or when something is completely hollow, empty, or useless despite appearances. It implies that everything has gone down the drain or that the entirety of a matter results in nothingness.

Why should your sweet rice (Pongal) be cooked using our sugar?

This expression is used to question why one should use their own resources or hard-earned assets for the benefit of someone else, especially when the other person is trying to take credit or advantage without contributing anything.

Whether the crop yields or withers, the tax is inevitable.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one's obligations, debts, or taxes must be paid regardless of their personal circumstances or success. It highlights the rigid and often unforgiving nature of certain systems or responsibilities.

No matter how many other women there are, they cannot equal one's own wife.

This expression emphasizes the unique value, virtue, and status of a devoted wife (kulakanta) within a household. It suggests that external attractions or other women can never replace the dignity, loyalty, and companionship provided by a lawful spouse.

Does anger directed at a stack of pots require a wooden club?

This proverb highlights that one's anger should be appropriate to the situation or the target. It suggests that it is unnecessary and foolish to use excessive force or display intense rage against weak or inanimate objects that cannot resist. It is often used to mock someone who shows great anger toward something that doesn't deserve such a reaction.

Like eating sugar and calling it bitter.

This proverb is used to describe a person who displays ingratitude or makes baseless complaints despite receiving something good or beneficial. It refers to someone who is habitually dissatisfied or dishonest about their experiences, often finding fault even in the most pleasant circumstances.

A crane on a monkey's tree, it won't climb the tree it is asked to climb.

This expression is used to describe someone who is stubborn, contrary, or refuses to do what is requested of them, often doing the exact opposite or something unrelated instead. It highlights a lack of cooperation or a perverse nature.

Poison covered with sugar.

This expression is used to describe something that appears attractive, sweet, or beneficial on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous underneath. It is often applied to deceptive words, treacherous people, or tempting offers that have hidden negative consequences.

A flattering speech is honeyed poison. (Latin.)* Sugared words generally prove bitter. (Spanish.)†

Like cranes standing among the swans of the pond.

This expression is used to describe a situation where an unworthy or inferior person is found in the company of noble, wise, or talented individuals. It highlights the stark contrast in character, grace, or intellect, suggesting that an out-of-place person stands out for the wrong reasons among those who are truly refined.

A nose jewel in a torn nose.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to decorate or improve something that is fundamentally broken or flawed. It refers to misplaced efforts or superficial improvements that do not suit the actual condition of the object or person.