కుక్కకు పెత్తనమిస్తే కుండలు కెలకదా!

kukkaku pettanamiste kundalu kelakada!

Translation

If you give authority to a dog, won't it mess with the pots?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving responsibility or authority to an unworthy, incompetent, or untrustworthy person. It suggests that such individuals will inevitably misuse their power or cause a mess, as they lack the character or skill to handle the position properly.

Related Phrases

When power was given to a louse, it bit all over the head.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an undeserving or small-minded person is given power or responsibility, and they end up causing significant harm or abusing that power. It highlights the dangers of entrusting authority to the wrong person.

Abuse of authority.

If a dog enters the house, will it not search for the pots?

This expression is used to describe a person who, given an opportunity or access to a place, will naturally look for ways to fulfill their greed or take advantage of the situation. It implies that certain behaviors are predictable based on one's character.

Why does a squirrel need the authority to lead a village?

This proverb is used to mock someone who lacks the necessary stature, capability, or influence but tries to dominate or take charge of a situation. It suggests that individuals should know their limits and not overreach into roles they are unqualified for.

When a monkey was given authority, it reportedly swam across the Godavari river.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, irresponsible, or foolish person. Instead of using the authority wisely, they act erratically or perform unnecessary and reckless tasks that lead to chaos or waste.

If a scorpion is given authority, it will sting relentlessly all night long!

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power to a cruel or incompetent person. Just as a scorpion's nature is to sting, a malicious person will misuse their newfound authority to harass others or cause harm without restraint.

If you feed the dog, the food-pot is at risk.

This proverb refers to people who are ungrateful or those who, when helped, try to take advantage of or harm their benefactor. It describes a situation where showing kindness to an unworthy or untrustworthy person results in them endangering your own resources or well-being.

When the scorpion was given power, it continued stinging until the morning.

This proverb describes the consequences of giving power or responsibility to a wicked or incompetent person. Just as a scorpion's nature is to sting, a malicious person will misuse their authority to cause constant harm or trouble to others once they are in control.

Applied to the abuse of authority by evil persons.

If you give a louse authority, it will bite the entire head off.

This proverb describes a situation where an undeserving, petty, or small-minded person is given power or authority, and they end up abusing it to cause significant damage or nuisance. It is used to caution against putting incompetent or mean-spirited people in charge.

If you give authority to a dog, it will bite all the sandals.

This proverb is used to describe the consequences of giving power or responsibility to an incompetent, unworthy, or foolish person. Instead of performing the duties properly, such a person will only cause destruction or focus on their base instincts, similar to how a dog given authority over a house would simply ruin the footwear.

A louse, if entrusted with authority, only does what it knows to do: it bites the whole

If an unworthy person is given authority, he will misuse it and destroy the whole organization. One should exercise great caution and proper judgment, while selecting the leaders.