కుక్క వేషము వేస్తే, మొరగకుండా ఉండలేము
kukka veshamu veste, moragakunda undalemu
If you assume the disguise of a dog, you must bark. In for a penny, in for a pound.
This proverb suggests that if you take on a certain role or persona, you are bound to act according to the nature of that role. It is often used to describe situations where a person's behavior is dictated by their current circumstances or the identity they have adopted, implying that one must fully commit to the characteristics of the part they are playing.
Related Phrases
వేలికి వేస్తే మెలిక, కాలికి వేస్తే బంధం
veliki veste melika, kaliki veste bandham
If put on the finger it's a twist, if put on the leg it's a shackle.
This proverb describes someone who is extremely cunning, manipulative, or versatile in making excuses. It refers to a person who can adapt their behavior or arguments to any situation just to get their way—if you try to catch them one way, they twist out of it; if you try another, they bind you instead.
కాలికి వేస్తే మెడకు, మెడకు వేస్తే కాలికి
kaliki veste medaku, medaku veste kaliki
He removes the rope from the leg to the neck, and from the neck to the leg. Attempting to entrap a person by unfair questions.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely cunning, slippery, or argumentative. It refers to someone who can twist any situation or argument to their advantage, making it impossible to pin them down or hold them accountable. It depicts a 'shifty' character who always finds a loophole or a way to deflect blame.
విత్తనము ఒకటి వేస్తే, మొక్క ఒకటి మొలుచునా?
vittanamu okati veste, mokka okati moluchuna?
Will the plant differ from the seed ?
This proverb is the Telugu equivalent of 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' It implies that every action has a corresponding consequence and that one cannot expect good results from bad actions or vice-versa. It is used to remind someone that their current situation is a direct result of their past deeds or character.
A chip of the old block. He that was born of a hen loves to be scratching. (French.)† * Après la fête on gratte la tête. † Qui naît de geline il aime à grater.
వేలుకు వేస్తే కాలికి, కాలికి వేస్తే వేలికి.
veluku veste kaliki, kaliki veste veliki.
If put on the finger it goes to the toe, and if put on the toe it goes to the finger.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely manipulative, inconsistent, or shifty in their speech. It refers to someone who changes their story or logic constantly to suit their convenience, making it impossible to pin them down to a single fact or commitment.
కర్ర విరగకుండా, పాము చావకుండా కొట్టు
karra viragakunda, pamu chavakunda kottu
Hit in such a way that the stick doesn't break and the snake doesn't die.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task accomplished without causing any damage or loss to the parties involved. It refers to finding a diplomatic or clever middle ground where the objective is achieved while maintaining perfect balance and avoiding negative consequences.
చచ్చే కాలానికి సత్యభామ వేషం వేసినట్టు.
chachche kalaniki satyabhama vesham vesinattu.
Like playing the role of Satyabhama during one's dying days.
This proverb describes someone starting a new, demanding, or flamboyant venture at an inappropriate time, particularly when they are nearing the end of their career or life. It is used to mock people who attempt tasks that no longer suit their age, health, or circumstances.
పాము చావకూడదు, బడితె విరగకూడదు
pamu chavakudadu, badite viragakudadu
The snake should not die, and the stick should not break.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a problem needs to be solved or a task needs to be completed without causing any damage, loss, or negative consequences to either party involved. It refers to finding a perfect, diplomatic, or tactful middle ground where the objective is achieved with zero risk or collateral damage.
దొంగ వాకిట మంచం వేసినట్లు
donga vakita mancham vesinatlu
Putting your bed in the yard of a thief's house. To watch his doings. Outwitting a crafty man.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unknowingly or foolishly seeks protection or places their trust in the very person who intends to harm or rob them. It signifies an act of extreme negligence or lack of common sense.
ముసలి కుక్కలు ఊరకే మొరగవు
musali kukkalu urake moragavu
Old dogs do not bark without a reason.
This proverb is used to suggest that when an experienced or elderly person gives a warning or makes a statement, it is usually based on wisdom and valid reasons rather than being a baseless claim. It emphasizes respecting the intuition and foresight of the experienced.
కుక్కకు ఏ వేషం వేసినా, మొరగక మానదు.
kukkaku e vesham vesina, moragaka manadu.
No matter what costume you put on a dog, it will not stop barking.
This proverb suggests that a person's true nature or inherent character cannot be hidden or changed, no matter how much they try to mask it with external appearances or status. It is used to describe situations where someone eventually reveals their true (often negative) traits despite attempts to behave differently.