కుక్క సింహం కాదు, కుందేలు తోడేలు కాదు

kukka simham kadu, kundelu todelu kadu

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

Like bulls fighting and breaking the calves' legs

This expression describes a situation where powerful people or leaders fight among themselves, but the innocent, weak, or subordinates are the ones who suffer the consequences. It is used when a conflict between two major parties results in collateral damage to those who have no part in the dispute.

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.

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

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.

Like a wolf entering a flock of sheep

This expression is used to describe a situation where a predator or a dangerous person enters a group of vulnerable, innocent, or defenseless people, causing sudden chaos and destruction. It can also describe a powerful opponent easily overcoming a weak group.

Like a lion fallen into a cage

This expression is used to describe a powerful, influential, or highly capable person who has become helpless, trapped, or restricted due to circumstances beyond their control. It signifies frustrated strength and the agony of being unable to act despite having great potential.

A devotee on the forehead, a wolf in the mouth.

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite who puts on a show of piety or kindness outwardly (indicated by religious marks on the forehead) but speaks or acts with cruelty and greed (like a wolf). It refers to people who are 'wolves in sheep's clothing' or those whose words don't match their holy appearance.

Like a rabbit grazing on a tiger's whiskers

This expression describes a situation where an extremely weak or timid person attempts to take advantage of or mock someone who is immensely powerful and dangerous. It is often used to highlight an act of foolish overconfidence or an impossible, paradoxical scenario that defies logic.

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.