కుక్కకు పులితోలు కప్పగానే కరవడం మానుతుందా?
kukkaku pulitolu kappagane karavadam manutunda?
Will a dog stop biting just because it is covered with a tiger's skin?
This expression means that a person's inherent nature or character does not change simply by changing their outward appearance or status. It is used to point out that dressing up or pretending to be something grander doesn't remove one's basic flaws or original habits.
Related Phrases
కరవగ వచ్చునే బలిమి గాడిదకు పులితోలు కప్పిన
karavaga vachchune balimi gadidaku pulitolu kappina
Can a donkey bite with strength just because it is covered with a tiger's skin?
This proverb is used to say that one cannot change their true nature or acquire strength/character merely by changing their outward appearance or pretending to be someone they are not. Just as a donkey wearing a tiger skin doesn't gain the ferocity of a tiger, a person lacking inherent talent or character cannot achieve greatness through deception.
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు, కోరి గొర్రెతోలు కప్పుతారు.
mechchi mekatolu, kori gorretolu kapputaru.
They praise and cover with goat skin, then choose and cover with sheep skin.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is deceived by superficial praise or false appreciation. It suggests that while people may outwardly compliment or flatter you, their underlying intentions might involve imposing burdens or exploiting you under the guise of 'honor' or 'favor'.
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు కప్పమన్నాట్టు
mechchi mekatolu kappamannattu
Appreciating someone and then asking them to wear a goatskin.
This proverb describes a situation where someone offers praise or appreciation initially, but follows it up with a suggestion or action that is actually insulting, downgrading, or harmful. It is used when a person's supposed 'reward' or 'compliment' turns out to be a burden or a mockery of their true status.
గాడిదకు పులితోలు కప్పినంత మాత్రాన పులి అవుతుందా?
gadidaku pulitolu kappinanta matrana puli avutunda?
Will a donkey become a tiger just by covering it with a tiger's skin?
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone tries to hide their true nature or incompetence by putting on a false appearance of strength, wisdom, or authority. It implies that inner character cannot be changed by superficial outward changes.
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.
కాశీకి వెళ్ళగానే కర్రి కుక్క గంగ గోవు అవుతుందా?
kashiki vellagane karri kukka ganga govu avutunda?
Will a black dog turn into a holy cow just by going to Kashi?
This proverb suggests that a person's fundamental character or nature does not change simply by visiting a holy place or changing their environment. It is used to point out that superficial actions cannot hide or transform one's true qualities.
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.
మెచ్చి మేకతోలు కోరి గొర్రెతోలు కప్పుతారు
mechchi mekatolu kori gorretolu kapputaru
If they approve of you they will cover you with a goat- skin; and if they choose you, with a sheepskin.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's kindness or simple needs are exploited. It suggests that when a person is too accommodating or humble, others take advantage of them by giving them low-quality things or burdens under the guise of 'honoring' or 'favoring' them. It highlights how modesty can sometimes invite mistreatment.
కరవమంటే పాముకు కోపం, వదలమంటే కప్పకు కోపం
karavamante pamuku kopam, vadalamante kappaku kopam
If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.
This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.
పగబట్టిన త్రాచు కాటువేయక మానుతుందా
pagabattina trachu katuveyaka manutunda
Will a cobra that has developed a grudge refrain from biting?
This expression is used to describe a person who is nursing a deep-seated grievance or a long-term grudge. It suggests that such an individual will inevitably seek revenge when the opportunity arises, just as a vengeful cobra is believed to never forget an enemy until it strikes back.