నాజూకు నక్కలు దేకితే, నరిశిన గడ్డం కుక్కలు వీకినవి

najuku nakkalu dekite, narishina gaddam kukkalu vikinavi

Translation

When the jackals slid on his delicacy, the dogs pulled out his grey beard. Said of a hoary old humbug.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone loses their dignity or respect due to bad company or misfortune. It illustrates a downfall where instead of receiving honor, a person is humiliated by those far beneath them, or when small initial mistakes lead to a complete loss of stature.

Related Phrases

The dogs barked six months after the robbery.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where action is taken far too late to be of any use. It highlights the futility of a delayed response or a 'better late than never' approach that is so delayed that the damage is long done and irrecoverable.

By the time the sisters wake up, the jackals start howling.

This proverb is used to describe people who are extremely lazy or chronic late-risers. It implies that instead of waking up at dawn, they sleep so late that it is already evening (when jackals typically howl) by the time they get out of bed.

If sun and rain come together, it is the wedding of dogs and foxes.

This is a popular folk saying used when it rains while the sun is still shining. It describes a rare or paradoxical natural phenomenon. While scientifically known as a 'sunshower', in Telugu culture, it is traditionally associated with the mythical wedding of foxes and dogs.

When it sunshines and rains together, it is a wedding for dogs and foxes.

This is a popular Telugu folk saying used when the sun shines while it is raining simultaneously. It is often told to children as a whimsical explanation for this rare weather phenomenon, suggesting that such magical or unusual weather signifies a celebration in the animal kingdom.

If dogs spin cotton yarn, horses will wear sarees.

This proverb is used to describe an impossible or highly improbable situation. It implies that if something inherently absurd or unnatural were to happen, the consequences would be equally ridiculous. It is often used to mock someone's unrealistic claims or to express deep skepticism about a task being completed by someone unqualified.

Dogs fought with each other and ended up throwing dust into their own food bowl.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where two or more parties involved in an internal conflict or petty quarrel end up causing mutual self-harm. By fighting among themselves, they ruin the very resources or benefits they were meant to share, resulting in a loss for everyone involved.

When delicate foxes licked, grey-bearded dogs plucked it out.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person's modesty or dignity is gradually eroded by subtle flattery or manipulation (the foxes) until it is finally destroyed or insulted by those with no respect (the dogs). It highlights the progression of vulnerability leading to ultimate humiliation.

Nandaraya's wealth (went) to foxes and dogs.

This proverb describes a situation where someone's hard-earned wealth or resources are not enjoyed by them or their heirs, but instead are wasted or consumed by unworthy, greedy, or unrelated outsiders. It is used to highlight the irony of accumulating great fortune only for it to be squandered by others.

Will dogs not enter a house without a door?

This proverb is used to illustrate that if there are no boundaries, rules, or protections in place, unwanted elements or trouble will inevitably enter. It emphasizes the necessity of discipline and security to prevent chaos or exploitation.

If foxes howl, dogs do not bark.

This proverb is used to describe situations where superior or more capable individuals do not stoop down to respond to the noise or provocations of inferior or malicious people. It highlights the difference in dignity and behavior between different classes of people.