కుక్కలు కూసినంత మాత్రాన ఏనుగు పరువుపోతుందా

kukkalu kusinanta matrana enugu paruvupotunda

Translation

Does an elephant lose its dignity just because dogs bark at it?

Meaning

This expression is used to convey that the status or reputation of a great person is not diminished by the petty criticisms or insults of insignificant or inferior people. It suggests that one should ignore baseless noise and maintain their composure.

Related Phrases

If given, it's like the yield of an elephant.

This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.

Does erecting a pillar alone make a building?

This expression is used to highlight that starting a project or having one component of a larger task does not mean the task is complete. It emphasizes that a single effort or a superficial beginning is not equivalent to a finished achievement, often used to humble someone who is overconfident after only making a small start.

If the fire place cries out ( i. e. if the wood sings ) relations [ are coming ], if the dogs bark a famine [ may be expected ].

This is a traditional Telugu proverb based on folk beliefs. It suggests that certain sounds or signs predict future events: the whistling or crackling of a traditional wood-burning stove is seen as a sign that guests/relatives are coming to visit, whereas the unusual howling of dogs is considered an ill omen signaling impending drought or famine.

Let us have florins and we shall find cousins. ( Italian. )†

Just because one wears sacred marks, will their wicked nature disappear?

This expression is used to highlight that external appearances, religious symbols, or a change in attire do not change a person's inherent character or malicious intent. It is often used to criticize hypocrites who pretend to be virtuous while remaining deceptive or cruel at heart.

Whether it goes through a valley or over a hill, an elephant is still an elephant.

This proverb emphasizes that greatness and intrinsic value do not change based on circumstances or surroundings. A person of high character or status remains significant whether they are in a low position or a high one.

If a dog barks, does a Jangam lose his respect?

This proverb is used to suggest that the dignity or reputation of a noble or high-ranking person is not diminished by the baseless criticism or verbal abuse of an inferior or insignificant person. It emphasizes that one should ignore petty insults from those who lack character, as their noise doesn't change the truth of one's status.

An ant's body is a burden to the ant, and an elephant's body is a burden to the elephant.

This proverb suggests that everyone has their own set of problems and responsibilities proportional to their status or size. What may seem small to others can be a significant burden to the person experiencing it. It is used to remind people that we shouldn't dismiss others' struggles just because they seem minor compared to ours, as everyone carries their own weight.

The elephant keeps walking while the dogs keep barking

This proverb is used to suggest that great people or those on a path of success should ignore petty criticism or insignificant detractors. Just as an elephant does not stop its journey because of barking dogs, one should remain focused on their goals despite what others say.

Just because the lock is lost, can we not open the box?

This expression is used to convey that if the primary or conventional way of doing something fails, one can always find an alternative method to achieve the goal. It highlights resourcefulness and the idea that a single obstacle shouldn't stop progress.

An elephant on the plateau is an elephant, and an elephant in the lowlands is still an elephant.

This proverb signifies that a person's inherent value, character, or status does not change based on their current circumstances or location. Whether in a high position or a low one, greatness remains greatness.