మెత్తటి పులి ధర్మసూతి

mettati puli dharmasuti

Translation

The soft tiger is Dharma's son

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a person who appears very soft-spoken, gentle, and virtuous on the outside (like Yudhisthira/Dharmasuta) but is actually dangerous, cunning, or ruthless like a tiger on the inside. It refers to a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Related Phrases

As is the king, so will the virtue [of the people] be.

This expression means that the character, behavior, and values of a leader directly influence the conduct and morality of the people they lead. It is used to suggest that the subjects of a kingdom or the members of an organization will mirror the qualities of their head.

There is no righteousness in tyranny, and there is no sight in a cataract.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is blinded by power or arrogance. Just as a physical cataract prevents a person from seeing the world, an oppressive or tyrannical mindset prevents a person from seeing what is fair, moral, or just. It emphasizes that power-hungry individuals often lose their sense of right and wrong.

What was found on the road was spent on charity

This expression is used to describe money or resources that were acquired easily (without effort) and were subsequently lost or spent just as easily. It conveys the idea of 'Easy come, easy go'—implying that one doesn't feel much regret over losing something they didn't work hard to earn.

When asked 'Where does it rain?', the reply was 'In the land where charity and righteousness exist'.

This proverb suggests that natural blessings and prosperity occur where people are generous and virtuous. It is used to highlight the belief that the well-being of a society is a direct result of the collective goodness and charitable nature of its people.

One can ask for charity from a person who is a giver (sacrificer).

This proverb implies that there is no point in seeking help or charity from a miserly person. One should approach a person with a generous heart (Tyagi) if they expect to receive help or perform a righteous deed. It emphasizes seeking out the right person for the right cause.

When a boy was born by the virtue of a dancer, the anklets were found by the virtue of a silver-smith.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's hard work or merit results in a success, but another person tries to take the credit for the associated benefits or accessories. It highlights the irony of misplaced gratitude or credit-seeking.

When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.

This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'

My chastity is known to my first husband. Said by a widow who had passed herself off as a maid, and married again.

This is a sarcastic or ironic expression used to mock someone who is boasting about their integrity or loyalty when their past actions clearly prove otherwise. It highlights a contradiction where someone claims to be virtuous despite having a history of failure or betrayal. It is often used to expose hypocrisy.

Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.

This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.

Soft tiger, gentle animal

This expression is used to describe a person who appears mild-mannered or harmless on the outside but is actually dangerous, cunning, or highly capable like a tiger. It refers to 'wolves in sheep's clothing' or someone who hides their strength and aggression behind a polite facade.