కుక్క గోవు కాదు, కుందేలు పులి కాదు.

kukka govu kadu, kundelu puli kadu.

Translation

A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger.

Meaning

This expression is used to emphasize that things or people have their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or entirely different just by imitation or wishful thinking.

Related Phrases

Unripe fruits touched by a dog's mouth

This expression is used to describe things or people that are useless, of poor quality, or spoiled from the beginning. Just as a young fruit (pinde) touched by a dog is considered defiled and won't ripen properly, this phrase refers to outcomes that are flawed or individuals who lack character and capability.

Lent property is not lasting, speech is not help. You cannot always depend upon getting a livelihood by your plani- bility.

This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the transient nature of external aid. Just as manure only provides a temporary boost to the soil's fertility and eventually depletes, words or promises from others are not a reliable substitute for one's own actions or tangible support. It suggests that one should build their own strengths rather than depending on borrowed resources or empty talk.

An onion is not a jasmine flower, and a mistress is not a wife.

This proverb is used to highlight that certain things have inherent limitations and can never replace the original or the ideal. Just as an onion's pungent smell can never match the fragrance of a jasmine, a temporary or illegitimate relationship cannot provide the status, stability, or respect of a legal marriage.

Will a black dog become a holy cow by merely going to Benares?

A change in location or environment does not change a person's inherent nature or character. This proverb is used to point out that visiting holy places or performing external rituals cannot wash away deep-seated flaws or transform someone who is fundamentally wicked into someone virtuous.

Formal observances cannot make a sinful man holy. He that goes a beast to Rome, a beast returns. ( Italian. )* Send a fool to the market, and a fool he'll return.

Neither a widow, nor a married woman. Said by a man kept in suspense, neither granted nor refused a request, and not knowing whether he was to be as fortunate as a married woman or as unfortunate as a widow.

This expression is used to describe someone or something that is in an ambiguous or uncertain state, belonging to neither of two distinct categories. It often refers to a person who lacks a clear identity or a situation that remains unresolved and 'in-between.'

A dog is not a lion, and a rabbit is not a wolf.

This proverb is used to emphasize that every living being or individual has their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or more aggressive, just as a domestic dog cannot possess the majesty of a lion, nor can a timid rabbit become a predatory wolf.

By the time the rabbit was about to be caught, the dog had to go outside (to relieve itself).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone fails at the crucial moment due to a silly or untimely distraction. It highlights how poor timing or lack of focus at the final step can ruin a lot of hard work.

A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger

This expression means that every being or object has its own inherent nature and limitations. It is used to suggest that one cannot change their fundamental character or capabilities to become something vastly different, emphasizing that appearances or minor similarities do not change one's true essence.

A rabbit in the kitchen

This expression describes someone who never leaves their home or is extremely timid and stays within a confined, safe environment. It is used to mock someone's lack of worldly exposure or their tendency to always stay indoors, much like a pet rabbit that stays around the kitchen for food.

Like a rabbit licking its own leg

This expression is used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied or takes immense pride in their own small achievements, often ignoring the bigger picture or failing to realize that their actions are self-serving and of little consequence to others.