మానుపిల్లి అయినా, మట్టి పిల్లి అయినా, ఎలుకను పట్టినదే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina, matti pilli ayina, elukanu pattinade pilli
A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.
Related Phrases
ఈ పిల్లి ఆ పాలు తాగునా?
i pilli a palu taguna?
Would this cat have drunk that milk ?
This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used to describe a person who pretends to be innocent, modest, or naive, while actually being quite the opposite. It is used when someone acts as if they are too good or too shy to do something that they are secretly very capable of or already doing.
A demure humbug.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్టు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinattu
Like trying to make a sage but ending up with a cat instead.
This proverb describes a situation where one attempts to create or achieve something noble, grand, or highly skillful, but due to lack of skill or an unfortunate turn of events, the end result turns out to be something trivial, inferior, or completely different. It is used to mock failed ambitious attempts.
పిల్లి తిన్న కోడి పిలిచినా పలుకదు
pilli tinna kodi pilichina palukadu
A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.
ఎలుకకు పిల్లి సాక్షి
elukaku pilli sakshi
The cat a witness in the rat's case. Interested evidence. A fox should not be of the jury at a goose trial.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two parties who are naturally biased or complicit with each other stand as witnesses for one another. It implies that the testimony is untrustworthy because both parties have a mutual interest or are equally corrupt, much like how a cat and mouse 'working together' would be an absurdity or a conspiracy.
ఎలుక ఎంత ఏడ్చినా, పిల్లి తన పట్టు వదలదు.
eluka enta edchina, pilli tana pattu vadaladu.
However much the rat may cry, the cat will not let go her hold.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a powerful person or an oppressor remains indifferent to the pleas, suffering, or tears of the weak. It suggests that once someone has a decisive advantage or control over another, they are unlikely to show mercy just because the victim is lamenting their fate.
బండి చక్రం పిల్లి కాలు తొక్కితే, పిల్లి ఎలుకపై మీసాలు దువ్వినదట
bandi chakram pilli kalu tokkite, pilli elukapai misalu duvvinadata
When a cart wheel ran over a cat's leg, the cat twirled its whiskers at a mouse.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who is hurt or humiliated by a superior or an uncontrollable force vents their frustration and displays false bravado toward someone weaker than them. It highlights the tendency to deflect anger onto subordinates instead of addressing the actual source of the problem.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా మట్టిపిల్లి అయినా ఎలుకను పట్టిందే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina mattipilli ayina elukanu pattinde pilli
Whether it is a wooden cat or a clay cat, the one that catches the mouse is the real cat.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the effectiveness or utility of a person or a tool is more important than its form, cost, or status. It is used to convey that the end result is what truly matters in evaluating a solution.
కొండ తవ్వి ఎలుకను పట్టినట్టు
konda tavvi elukanu pattinattu
Digging up a mountain to catch a rat.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a massive amount of effort, time, or resources is spent to achieve a very small, insignificant, or disappointing result. It highlights the disproportion between the struggle and the outcome.
ఇంటి పిల్లికి పొరుగింటి పిల్లి తోడు
inti pilliki poruginti pilli todu
The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.
మునిని చేయబోతే పిల్లి అయినట్లు
munini cheyabote pilli ayinatlu
When trying to make a sage, it turned into a cat
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to do something great or noble, but due to lack of skill or bad luck, the end result is mediocre or a failure. It is similar to the English expression 'The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.' Note: The user provided 'Malli' (Jasmine) or 'Munni', but the standard proverb is 'Muni' (Sage/Ascetic).