కుక్క గోవు కాదు, కుందేలు పులి కాదు
kukka govu kadu, kundelu puli kadu
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.
Related Phrases
ఉల్లి మల్లికాదు, కాకి కోకిలకాదు.
ulli mallikadu, kaki kokilakadu.
An onion is not a jasmine flower; a crow is not a cuckoo.
This proverb is used to emphasize that an object's or person's inherent nature cannot be changed just because of outward similarities or pretension. Just as an onion's smell prevents it from being a jasmine, and a crow's appearance doesn't make it a melodic cuckoo, intrinsic traits define true character.
వంట ఇంటి కుందేలు ఎక్కడికి పోతుంది?
vanta inti kundelu ekkadiki potundi?
Where will the kitchen rabbit go?
This expression is used to describe someone who is dependent or has no choice but to return to a specific place or person. It refers to someone who lacks the independence or means to survive elsewhere, implying they will eventually come back to their 'base' regardless of their actions.
కుక్క గోవు కాదు, కుందేలు పులి కాదు.
kukka govu kadu, kundelu puli kadu.
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.
కుక్కల నక్కల పెళ్ళికి కుందేలు మంత్రాలు చదివిందట
kukkala nakkala pelliki kundelu mantralu chadivindata
For the wedding of dogs and foxes, the rabbit recited the mantras.
This proverb is used to describe a chaotic or absurd situation where unqualified or irrelevant people are involved in a task that makes no sense to begin with. It highlights the ridiculousness of a situation where everything is disorganized and the participants are mismatched.
పొదుగెంత జారినా కుక్క గోవు కాదు
podugenta jarina kukka govu kadu
No matter how much the udder sags, a dog will not become a cow.
This proverb is used to say that an individual's fundamental nature or character cannot be changed by superficial or external appearances. Just as physical changes cannot turn a dog into a cow, a person with bad intentions or low character cannot be considered noble just by mimicking the outward traits of great people.
కుక్క సింహం కాదు, కుందేలు తోడేలు కాదు
kukka simham kadu, kundelu todelu kadu
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.
కుందేలు దొరికేవేళకు, కుక్కకు బయటికి వచ్చిందట.
kundelu dorikevelaku, kukkaku bayatiki vachchindata.
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.
పులి మీసాలు కుందేలు మేసినట్లు
puli misalu kundelu mesinatlu
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.
వంట ఇంటి కుందేలు
vanta inti kundelu
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.
కుందేలు కాలు నాకుకున్నట్లు
kundelu kalu nakukunnatlu
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.