కూన అని పెంచితే, గండు అయి కరవ వచ్చినట్టు.
kuna ani penchite, gandu ayi karava vachchinattu.
He petted it as a kitten, but when it grew into a big cat it tried to bite him.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone helps or nurtures another person, only for that person to turn around and act ungratefully or maliciously toward their benefactor. It is similar to the expression 'biting the hand that feeds you.'
Evil men will injure their protectors. Foster a raven and it will peck out your eyes. (Spanish.)*
Related Phrases
అబ్బ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, అమ్మ పెంచిన బిడ్డ అయినా కావాలి, ముండ పెంచిన బిడ్డ మండలాధిపతి అవుతాడా?
abba penchina bidda ayina kavali, amma penchina bidda ayina kavali, munda penchina bidda mandaladhipati avutada?
A child must be raised by a father or a mother; can a child raised by a mistress become a ruler?
This traditional proverb emphasizes the importance of a proper upbringing, parental guidance, and legitimate social standing in shaping a person's character and future success. It suggests that without the discipline and moral foundation provided by parents, one cannot achieve great heights or leadership roles. It is often used to highlight that a lack of proper mentorship leads to a lack of merit.
ముందు వచ్చిన చెవులకన్నా, వెనక వచ్చిన కొమ్ములు వాడి
mundu vachchina chevulakanna, venaka vachchina kommulu vadi
The horns which came last are sharper than the ears which came first. Said of a new comer wishing to usurp authority over his seniors.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a newcomer, junior, or younger person surpasses their senior or predecessor in skill, power, or success. It highlights that experience (age) doesn't always guarantee superiority over late-blooming talent or sharp ambition.
కాపు వచ్చిన ఏడే కరువు వచ్చినది.
kapu vachchina ede karuvu vachchinadi.
The famine came in the very year that the cultivator came to the village. An unfortunate coincidence.
This proverb describes a situation of extreme bad luck or irony where success and disaster occur simultaneously. It is used when a long-awaited positive outcome or reward is immediately neutralized or ruined by an unexpected calamity, leaving no chance to enjoy the fruits of one's labor.
పాలు పోసి పెంచినా పాము కరవక మానదు
palu posi penchina pamu karavaka manadu
Although you feed a snake with milk, it will not refrain from biting you.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where an inherently evil or ungrateful person will eventually cause harm, regardless of how much kindness, care, or help you provide them. It suggests that one's true nature cannot be changed by external kindness.
కుక్కను పెంచితే గండాయె, కూటి కుండలకెల్లా చేటాయె
kukkanu penchite gandaye, kuti kundalakella chetaye
If you rear up a dog, when it becomes big it will empty all your dishes.
This proverb describes a situation where someone or something brought in for protection or help ends up causing more damage and trouble than the benefit they provide. It is used when a solution backfires or when a person one nurtures turns out to be a liability.
Put a snake into your bosom and when it is warm it will sting you.
తల్లి పెంచవలె, ధరణి పెంచవలెగాని, పెరవారు పెంచుతారా?
talli penchavale, dharani penchavalegani, peravaru penchutara?
A mother must nurture, the earth must nurture; will strangers ever nurture?
This proverb emphasizes that genuine care, patience, and nourishment can only be expected from one's own mother or Mother Nature (the land). It suggests that outsiders or strangers will never have the same selfless commitment or 'protective' instinct toward someone else's growth as a parent or the earth does. It is often used to highlight the importance of roots and maternal care.
చచ్చినదాని పిల్లలు వచ్చినదాని కాళ్ళకింద
chachchinadani pillalu vachchinadani kallakinda
The children of the deceased woman are under the feet of the newcomer.
This proverb describes the plight of motherless children who are often neglected or mistreated by a stepmother or a new person entering the household. It is used to highlight situations where vulnerable individuals lose their protection and are left at the mercy of someone who may not care for their well-being.
చచ్చినవాని పెండ్లికి వచ్చినంత కట్నము.
chachchinavani pendliki vachchinanta katnamu.
Any quantity of presents must suffice at a dead man's marriage. When a marriage takes place, presents of cloths are sent to the bride and bridegroom by their relations. Return gifts of about equal value are made shortly after the marriage. Should the bridegroom, however, die during the ceremonies, no presents are returned, and no complaints are therefore made regarding the value of those received.
This expression is used to describe a situation where one should be content with whatever little benefit or payment they receive in a hopeless or lost situation. Since a dead man cannot marry, any dowry received is an unexpected bonus from a failed endeavor.
ముందు వచ్చింది ముత్తైదువ, వెనుక వచ్చింది వెధవ
mundu vachchindi muttaiduva, venuka vachchindi vedhava
The first one was a wife, the last one was a widow. i. e. the first died while her husband was alive, the last was degraded to the position of a widow. Old things are thought much of, new ones are not valued.
This expression is used to highlight the importance of being early or punctual. It implies that the first person to arrive or the first effort made receives respect and good fortune, while being late or secondary leads to misfortune or a lack of value. It is often used in situations where priority determines quality or status.
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.