కుక్కకు పులితోలు కప్పగానే కరవడం మానుతుందా?

kukkaku pulitolu kappagane karavadam manutunda?

Translation

Will a dog stop biting just because it is covered with a tiger's skin?

Meaning

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

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.