కుక్కరపు ఊరిదారి చూపితే, నక్కరపు కాటిదారి చూపును
kukkarapu uridari chupite, nakkarapu katidari chupunu
If a dog shows the way to the village, a fox shows the way to the cemetery.
This proverb highlights that the outcome depends on the nature of the guide you follow. While a loyal companion (dog) leads you toward civilization and safety, a cunning or deceitful person (fox) will lead you toward ruin or danger. It is used as a warning to choose one's mentors and associates wisely.
Related Phrases
పేరు కమలాక్షి చూపులు కాకిచూపులు
peru kamalakshi chupulu kakichupulu
The name is Kamalaxi (lotus-eyed), but the sight is that of a crow.
This proverb is used to describe a person whose character or actions do not match their beautiful name or outward reputation. It highlights the irony when someone with a noble name behaves in a mean, suspicious, or crooked manner, much like a crow's restless and sharp gaze.
డౌలు చూపితే, దరిద్రం పోతుందా?
daulu chupite, daridram potunda?
Will poverty vanish just by putting on a show of style?
This expression is used to criticize someone who tries to maintain a high-status appearance or a stylish facade while lacking the actual financial means or substance to back it up. It implies that superficiality cannot solve deep-rooted problems.
బంగారపు కత్తి
bangarapu katti
A golden knife. Said of something of intrinsic value but of no utility.
This expression is used to describe something that is beautiful or attractive but nonetheless harmful or dangerous. Just because a knife is made of gold, it doesn't mean it won't cut; it implies that one should not be deceived by outward elegance when the inherent nature is destructive.
ఏటి దరి మాను
eti dari manu
A tree on the bank of a river.
This expression refers to a person or thing in a highly precarious or unstable position. Just as a tree on a riverbank is at constant risk of being uprooted or washed away by floods, it describes someone whose life, job, or situation is uncertain and could collapse at any moment.
ఊరి ముందరి చేను కాకుల పాలు
uri mundari chenu kakula palu
A farm located right in front of the village belongs to the crows.
This proverb highlights that assets or properties that are easily accessible to everyone often end up being wasted, damaged, or stolen because they cannot be properly guarded. Just as a field near a village is easily picked over by birds before the owner can harvest it, things that lack privacy or protection are prone to exploitation.
గుడ్డివాడికి గుడ్డివాడు దారి చూపితే, ఇద్దరూ గోతిలో పడతారు
guddivadiki guddivadu dari chupite, iddaru gotilo padataru
If a blind man lead a blind man, both will fall into the pit.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who lacks knowledge or expertise tries to guide another person who is equally ignorant. It highlights the inevitable failure or disaster that occurs when leadership or advice is sought from incompetent sources. It is equivalent to the English expression 'the blind leading the blind'.
అక్కరకు రాని చుట్టము అక్కరలేదు, మొక్కితే వరమీని దేవుడు అక్కరలేదు.
akkaraku rani chuttamu akkaraledu, mokkite varamini devudu akkaraledu.
A relative who does not come to your aid is not needed; a god who does not grant a boon when prayed to is not needed.
This proverb emphasizes practicality and utility in relationships. It suggests that a relative who fails to help during a time of need is of no value, just as a deity who does not answer prayers or provide help is considered redundant. It is used to describe situations where something or someone fails to fulfill their primary purpose or duty when it matters most.
విడిచిన ఎద్దు కొట్టందారి చూచును
vidichina eddu kottandari chuchunu
A released ox looks toward the path of the shed.
This proverb describes a tendency of living beings to return to familiar habits or their original place of shelter even after being granted freedom. It is often used to refer to someone who, despite having no more obligations or restrictions, reverts to their old routine or returns home out of instinct or comfort.
బంగారపు పిచ్చుక
bangarapu pichchuka
A golden sparrow. The Telugu term for the grossbeak ( Loxia Philippina ). Pretty to look at but of no use.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely precious, innocent, or fortunate. It is often used as a term of endearment for children or to refer to someone who brings prosperity and joy, similar to the English 'golden goose' but with a more affectionate and delicate connotation.
ఇంటివారు వేలు చూపితే, బయటివారు కాలు చూపుతారు
intivaru velu chupite, bayativaru kalu chuputaru
If the members of your family point their fingers at you, the outsiders will point their legs.
This proverb highlights that if family members disrespect or expose the weaknesses of their own kin, outsiders will feel emboldened to treat them with even greater contempt or cause more significant harm. It emphasizes the importance of family unity and loyalty in maintaining social standing.