కుక్కను సింహాసనమున కూర్చుండబెట్టినా వెనుకటి గుణం మానదు.
kukkanu simhasanamuna kurchundabettina venukati gunam manadu.
Even if you seat a dog on a throne, it won't give up its old habits.
This proverb is used to describe how a person's inherent nature or character does not change regardless of their status, wealth, or environment. Just as a dog might still chase after scraps even if placed in royalty, an unworthy or base person will eventually revert to their true behavior despite being given power or respect.
Related Phrases
చిక్కిన సింహాన్ని బక్కకుక్క కూడా కరుస్తుంది
chikkina simhanni bakkakukka kuda karustundi
Even a lean dog will bite a lion that is trapped.
This proverb highlights how even the weak or cowardly take advantage of a powerful person when they are in a vulnerable, helpless, or weakened position. It is used to describe how circumstances can humiliate even the greatest of people.
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.
కుక్క తోక వంకర, ఎంతటికీ గుణము మానను అన్నదట.
kukka toka vankara, entatiki gunamu mananu annadata.
A dog's tail is crooked; it said it won't change its nature.
This expression is used to describe a person who refuses to change their inherent bad habits or character, regardless of how much advice they receive or how much effort is made to reform them. It is similar to the English proverb 'A leopard cannot change its spots'.
కుక్కవంటి మనసు కూర్చుండనిచ్చునా
kukkavanti manasu kurchundanichchuna
Will a dog-like mind let you sit still?
This expression compares the human mind to a restless dog that is constantly moving, wandering, and seeking distractions. It is used to describe the nature of a person who lacks focus, mental peace, or the ability to stay still in one place or on one task.
పద్మాసనం వేసి కూర్చుండగానే పరమాన్నం వడ్డిస్తారా?
padmasanam vesi kurchundagane paramannam vaddistara?
Will the sweet rice be served just because you sat down in the lotus position?
This proverb is used to convey that success or rewards do not come automatically just by preparing or positioning oneself. It highlights that action and effort are required beyond just formal readiness or putting on appearances. You cannot expect the final result (the feast) immediately after doing the bare minimum (sitting down).
కుక్కను అందలములో కూర్చుండబెట్టిన, అమేధ్యమును చూచి దిగవురికినట్లు
kukkanu andalamulo kurchundabettina, amedhyamunu chuchi digavurikinatlu
If you seat a dog in a palanquin, it will still jump down at the sight of filth.
This proverb is used to describe a person who cannot change their inherent base nature or low-minded habits, no matter how much wealth, status, or dignity is bestowed upon them. It highlights that external elevation does not change internal character.
కూర్చుంటే కుక్కయినా కరువదు
kurchunte kukkayina karuvadu
Even a dog will not bite you if you sit down.
This proverb suggests that when someone is angry or aggressive, adopting a humble or submissive posture can prevent a conflict. It is used to teach that humility and avoiding provocation can defuse dangerous situations or hostile behavior from others.
మానం పోయిన వెనుక ప్రాణం ఎందుకు?
manam poyina venuka pranam enduku?
Why live after losing one's honor?
This expression emphasizes that self-respect and dignity are more valuable than life itself. It is used to suggest that living a life of disgrace or shame is meaningless and that one should prioritize their reputation over survival.
వన్నెలమ్మను వండబెట్టిన ఇంటిరాజులను పండబెట్టిందట.
vannelammanu vandabettina intirajulanu pandabettindata.
The woman who was asked to cook ended up laying the household men to rest.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone who was brought in to help or perform a simple task ends up causing complete destruction or ruin. It highlights the irony of a person’s incompetence or malicious nature resulting in a disaster far worse than the original problem they were meant to solve.
కుక్కను అందలములో కూర్చుండ పెట్టితే, అమేధ్యము చూచి దిగ వురికినది.
kukkanu andalamulo kurchunda pettite, amedhyamu chuchi diga vurikinadi.
When they seated the dog in a palanquin, it saw filth and jumped down and ran to it.
This proverb implies that no matter how much you try to elevate someone's status or provide them with luxury, their innate nature or low character will eventually reveal itself. It is used to describe situations where a person reverts to their base habits despite being given a position of dignity.
Mean persons although exalted will not give up their low habits. Crooked by nature is never made straight by education. " Set a frog on a golden stool, and off it hops again into the pool." (German.)*