కులము వాళ్ళను చూస్తే కుక్కకు కోపం, గుఱ్ఱానికి సంతోషం
kulamu vallanu chuste kukkaku kopam, gurraniki santosham
Seeing its own kind makes a dog angry, but a horse happy.
This proverb is used to contrast different attitudes toward one's own community or peers. It suggests that while some people are jealous or hostile toward their own kind (like a dog barking at another dog), others feel joy and a sense of belonging when they see their peers (like a horse neighing happily at another horse). It is a commentary on human nature regarding professional or social rivalry versus solidarity.
Related Phrases
బాడిగ గుర్రానికి సుడులు పట్టి చూసినట్లు
badiga gurraniki sudulu patti chusinatlu
Like checking the whorls (auspicious marks) of a rented horse.
This expression is used to describe someone who is overly critical or fastidious about something that is temporary, borrowed, or not theirs to keep. Just as it is pointless to check for permanent luck-bringing marks on a horse you are only renting for a short journey, it is unnecessary to find minor flaws in things of transient value or temporary use.
విడవమంటే పాముకు కోపం, పట్టమంటే కప్పకు కోపం.
vidavamante pamuku kopam, pattamante kappaku kopam.
If told to let go, the snake gets angry; if told to catch, the frog gets angry.
This proverb describes a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in someone being offended or a negative outcome. It is used when a person is stuck between two conflicting parties or choices where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.
ఎక్కుమంటే ఎద్దుకు కోపం, దిగుమంటే కుంటివానికి కోపం
ekkumante edduku kopam, digumante kuntivaniki kopam
If you say "Mount," the bullock is angry; if you say "Get off" the lame man is angry.
This proverb describes a 'no-win' or 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will upset someone involved. It is used when a person is caught between two parties with conflicting interests, where satisfying one inevitably displeases the other.
It is hard to please every one. (Dutch.)*
కరవమంటే కప్పకు కోపం, విడవమంటే పాముకు కోపం.
karavamante kappaku kopam, vidavamante pamuku kopam.
If asked to bite, the frog would be angry; if asked to let go, the snake would be angry.
This refers to a situation when there are two disputing parties and advising either of them to compromise or withdraw from the dispute will be rejected by both. On those occasions, it is wise to keep quiet.
బిచ్చపు వాణ్ని చూస్తే బీద వానికి కోపము
bichchapu vanni chuste bida vaniki kopamu
The sight of a beggar rouses a poor man's anger.
This expression describes the envy or resentment felt between people in similar unfortunate circumstances. It is often used when someone who is struggling themselves looks down upon or feels competitive towards another person who is also in need, rather than showing empathy.
Said impertinently by a beggar when he gets nothing.
సంతోషానికి సాకు లేదు, ఆలోచనకు అంతు లేదు.
santoshaniki saku ledu, alochanaku antu ledu.
Happiness needs no excuse, and thoughts have no end.
This proverb suggests that one doesn't need a specific reason to be happy; it is a state of mind. Conversely, it highlights that the human mind is prone to endless worrying or overthinking, implying that while joy is spontaneous, anxiety can be a never-ending cycle if not controlled.
పంజరం అందంగా ఉంటే పక్షికి సంతోషమా?
panjaram andanga unte pakshiki santoshama?
If the cage is beautiful, is the bird happy?
This expression emphasizes that material luxury and external beauty cannot replace freedom and basic happiness. It is used to describe situations where a person might have all the physical comforts or a high-status environment, yet feels trapped or miserable because they lack liberty or emotional fulfillment.
చూస్తే చుక్క, లేస్తే కుక్క
chuste chukka, leste kukka
A star when seen (sitting), a dog when it gets up.
This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.
గుర్రాన్ని చూస్తే కాళ్ళు నొప్పి.
gurranni chuste kallu noppi.
My legs start aching the moment I see a horse.
This proverb describes a person who is naturally lazy but looks for excuses to avoid effort. Just by seeing a horse (a means of transport), the person pretends their legs hurt so that they can get a ride instead of walking. It is used to mock someone who suddenly acts weak or incapable when an easy way out presents itself.
సంతోషం సగం బలం.
santosham sagam balam.
Being joyful is half one’s strength.
This is to suggest that one should be joyful, especially in unfavourable circumstances. That is the way to draw strength from even adverse circumstances.