కుక్క వస్తే రాయి దొరకదు, రాయి దొరికితే కుక్క రాదు.
kukka vaste rayi dorakadu, rayi dorikite kukka radu.
When the dog comes, a stone cannot be found ; when a stone is found, the dog does not come. A thing can never be found when it is most wanted.
This expression describes a situation of poor timing or irony where two things needed for a specific action are never available at the same time. It is used when resources or opportunities are missing exactly when they are most needed, but appear only when the need has passed.
Related Phrases
ఎన్నడూ దొరకనమ్మకు ఏగాని దొరికితే ఏడు ముళ్లు వేసిందట
ennadu dorakanammaku egani dorikite edu mullu vesindata
When a woman who never found anything finally found a small coin, she tied seven knots to secure it.
This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves excessively or ridiculously over-cautious when they suddenly acquire something of very small value. It mocks someone who makes a huge fuss over a trivial gain because they are not used to having anything at all.
కుక్క కనిపిస్తే రాయి దొరకదు, రాయి దొరికితే కుక్క కనిపించదు
kukka kanipiste rayi dorakadu, rayi dorikite kukka kanipinchadu
If you see a dog, you don't find a stone; if you find a stone, you don't see the dog.
This expression highlights the irony of life where things don't align when needed. It describes a situation where you have the opportunity but lack the resources, or you have the resources but the opportunity is gone. It is often used when someone encounters bad luck or poor timing.
దొరికితే దొంగ, దొరకకపోతే దొర
dorikite donga, dorakakapote dora
If caught, he is a thief; if not caught, he is a lord.
This proverb highlights the irony of social status based on being caught. It is used to describe a situation where someone's reputation depends entirely on whether their dishonest actions are discovered. As long as their crimes are hidden, they are respected as a gentleman or 'Dora' (lord), but the moment they are caught, they are labeled a thief.
దొరికితే దొంగ, దొరక్కపోతే దొర
dorikite donga, dorakkapote dora
If caught, a thief; if not caught, a lord.
This proverb is used to describe hypocritical people who maintain a respectable image in society as long as their misdeeds remain hidden. It implies that many people are only considered 'honorable' or 'gentlemen' because they haven't been caught yet, highlighting that status often depends on the public eye rather than true character.
రెక్కాడితేగాని డొక్కాడని వాడికి రత్నం దొరికితే రాయి అన్నాట్ట.
rekkaditegani dokkadani vadiki ratnam dorikite rayi annatta.
When a man whose belly is filled only if his hands toil finds a diamond, he says it is just a stone.
This expression describes a person who is so consumed by the daily grind and survival that they lack the knowledge or perspective to recognize a great opportunity or a valuable asset when it presents itself. It is used to highlight how poverty or lack of exposure can make someone ignorant of life's bigger fortunes.
నిలవడానికి చోటు దొరికితే కూర్చోవడానికి చోటు దొరికినట్లే
nilavadaniki chotu dorikite kurchovadaniki chotu dorikinatle
If you find a place to stand, it's as if you found a place to sit.
This proverb describes people who, after being granted a small favor or a foot in the door, gradually demand more or take complete control. It is used to warn about opportunistic people who exploit initial kindness to gain a larger foothold.
పాత దొంగ ఒక రోజున దొరకక మానడు.
pata donga oka rojuna dorakaka manadu.
The old thief will be one day caught.
This proverb suggests that no matter how experienced or clever someone is at committing misdeeds or hiding their mistakes, they will eventually be caught or exposed. It is used to caution that wrongdoings cannot be concealed forever and that justice or consequences are inevitable.
మొరిగే కుక్క కరవదు.
morige kukka karavadu.
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.
అరిచే కుక్క కరవదు
ariche kukka karavadu
A barking dog does not bite
This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.
చూస్తే చుక్క, లేస్తే కుక్క
chuste chukka, leste kukka
A star when seen (sitting), a dog when it gets up.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.