కుక్క బదులుగా గాడిద మొరిగిందట

kukka baduluga gadida morigindata

Translation

The donkey barked instead of the dog

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone incompetent or unqualified tries to perform a task belonging to an expert, leading to failure or a ridiculous outcome. It highlights the mismatch between a person's abilities and the role they are trying to fulfill.

Related Phrases

The donkey that went to the city bit the donkey that went to the village.

This proverb is used to mock people who return from a big city or a prestigious position and act superior or arrogant toward those who stayed in their hometown or humble roots. It highlights the empty vanity of someone who feels elevated by their environment despite their basic nature remaining the same.

Like dogs barking at an elephant.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where small-minded or insignificant people criticize or mock someone far superior or powerful. It implies that the superior person (the elephant) is unaffected by the noisy, futile criticisms (the barking dogs) and continues on their path with dignity.

When the donkey tried to do the dog's job, its back broke.

This proverb is used to illustrate the consequences of interfering in someone else's business or trying to perform a task for which one is not suited or trained. It highlights that everyone has their own specific roles and responsibilities, and stepping out of one's domain can lead to failure or self-harm.

A dog that barks does not bite.

It is said that a shouting man does not harm really. It is not necessary to take the loud threats of one seriously, because one may not really be able to carry out one’s threats.

The Reddi fed his dog like a horse, and barked himself. To pay a servant extravagantly and do his work yourself.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone invests heavily in a person or a resource expecting high-quality results, but the investment proves useless, forcing the person to do the work themselves. It satirizes poor judgment and the irony of having to perform a lowly task despite having hired or trained someone else to do it.

* En ond Hest aeder saa meget som en god. † Aprés perdre perd on blcu.

The dog barked at the hill until its eyeballs popped out and it died.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone exerts immense effort or anger against a person or entity that is far more powerful or indifferent. It signifies that futile opposition or barking at something unshakeable only results in self-destruction or exhaustion for the instigator, without affecting the target at all.

Like a donkey trying to do a dog's job

This expression is used when someone tries to perform a task that is not within their expertise or role, often resulting in failure or chaos. It highlights the importance of sticking to one's own responsibilities and strengths.

Even if a dog from Kuchipudi barks, it is music.

This proverb highlights the influence of one's environment and upbringing. Kuchipudi is a village famous for its classical dance and music; therefore, the saying suggests that in a place so deeply rooted in art, even the most mundane sounds (like a dog barking) possess artistic quality. It is used to describe a person who is so naturally talented or well-trained that even their casual efforts are impressive.

Even if a dog barks in Kuchipudi, it sounds like music.

This proverb is used to highlight the prestige or high standards of a place or environment known for a specific art or excellence. Kuchipudi is a village famous for the classical dance form of the same name. The saying implies that when you are in a place filled with talent and culture, even the most mundane or random sounds seem refined and artistic.

Even if you pour sandalwood powder on it, a donkey remains a donkey.

This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent nature or lack of refinement, regardless of how much wealth, education, or luxury is bestowed upon them. It suggests that external appearances or decorations cannot hide one's true character or stupidity.