కుక్కను చంపిన పాపం గుడి కట్టినా పోదు
kukkanu champina papam gudi kattina podu
The sin of killing a dog cannot be expiated even by building a temple.
This expression is used to emphasize that certain misdeeds or cruel acts are so grave that no amount of subsequent good deeds, charity, or religious penance can atone for them. It highlights that the consequences of a fundamental wrong cannot be easily erased by superficial acts of virtue.
Related Phrases
సింహము ఏనుగును చంపునేగాని, చచ్చిన కుక్కను తినునా?
simhamu enugunu champunegani, chachchina kukkanu tinuna?
A lion will kill an elephant, but will it eat a dead dog ? A noble-minded man is above mean actions.
This expression highlights self-respect and dignity. It means that a person of high stature, great talent, or noble character would rather face great challenges or suffer in silence than stoop to something base, inferior, or dishonorable just for the sake of survival or convenience.
వచ్చిన పేరు చచ్చినా పోదు
vachchina peru chachchina podu
The reputation gained will not leave even after death
This expression emphasizes that once a person earns a certain reputation—whether good or bad—it stays with them for life and remains even after they pass away. It is often used to remind someone that their actions have long-lasting consequences on their legacy.
చేసిన పాపము చెప్పితే మానును.
chesina papamu cheppite manunu.
Sin is removed by confession. Confession of a fault makes half amends. A sin confessed is half forgiven. (Italian.)
This proverb emphasizes the importance of confession and accountability. It suggests that acknowledging one's mistakes or wrongdoings openly helps in reducing the burden of guilt and paves the way for forgiveness or self-correction. It is used to encourage people to be honest about their faults rather than hiding them.
పిల్లిని చంపిన పాపం నీది, బెల్లం తిన్న పాపం నాది
pillini champina papam nidi, bellam tinna papam nadi
You take the sin of killing the cat, I'll take the sin of eating your molasses. Said by a stingy Kômati to a Brahman priest to whom he had presented tha cheapest possible offering that would expiate the sin he had committed by killing a cat, viz., a little image of a cat made of molasses, which he afterwards was greedy enough to take back again and swallow.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone hypocritically tries to equate a major transgression with a minor or harmless act. It highlights a person's clever but unfair way of shifting blame or normalizing their own small gains while others face the consequences of serious mistakes. It is often used to mock someone who tries to share 'blame' in a way that actually benefits them.
దొంగగొడ్డుకు గుడి కట్టినట్లు
dongagodduku gudi kattinatlu
Like building a temple for a stray or thieving cattle.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who is unworthy, dishonest, or troublesome is given undue respect, honor, or protection. It highlights the irony and wastefulness of glorifying someone who does not deserve it.
తాను చేసిన పాపం తనువుతో, తల్లి చేసిన పాపం ధరణితో.
tanu chesina papam tanuvuto, talli chesina papam dharanito.
The sin committed by oneself stays with the body, the sin committed by the mother stays with the earth.
This proverb highlights the gravity and consequences of actions. It suggests that while an individual's personal mistakes or sins affect their own physical being or life journey, a mother's actions have a much broader, foundational impact on the lineage or the environment. It is often used to emphasize accountability and the lasting legacy of one's deeds.
పెట్టినమ్మ పుణ్యానపోదు, పెట్టనమ్మ పాపాన పోదు.
pettinamma punyanapodu, pettanamma papana podu.
The woman who serves/gives doesn't go to heaven just for that, and the woman who doesn't serve doesn't go to hell just for that.
This expression is used to highlight that charity or hospitality should be done out of genuine kindness rather than for spiritual rewards or out of fear of sin. It suggests that one's character and overall actions matter more than a single act of giving or refusing. It is often used to tell someone not to be too proud of their charity or too judgmental of others' lack thereof.
చవి ఎరిగిన కుక్క చావ గొట్టినా పోదు.
chavi erigina kukka chava gottina podu.
A dog that has tasted something delicious will not leave even if beaten to death.
This proverb is used to describe a person who has experienced a certain pleasure, profit, or benefit and refuses to give it up or leave the source, despite facing hardships, insults, or punishments. It highlights how difficult it is to break a habit or detach someone from a lucrative situation once they have experienced its taste.
చవి ఎరిగిన కుక్క చావగొట్టినా పోదు
chavi erigina kukka chavagottina podu
A dog attached [to his master] will not leave him though he be beaten [almost] to death.
This proverb describes a person who has experienced a certain benefit, habit, or pleasure and refuses to give it up despite facing harsh consequences, insults, or punishment. It is often used to refer to someone who repeatedly returns to a place or situation where they once found profit or enjoyment, regardless of the risks involved.
వచ్చిన వాడు చచ్చినా పోదు.
vachchina vadu chachchina podu.
Calumny is not removed even by death.
This expression is used to describe a deeply ingrained habit, trait, or skill that stays with a person throughout their lifetime. It suggests that once something is learned or becomes part of a person's nature, it is nearly impossible to change or get rid of it.
Slander leaves a slur. Give a dog an ill name, and you may as well hang him.