పైపై నెరిమించు కేసరికి పక్కెర వేయవచ్చునా

paipai neriminchu kesariki pakkera veyavachchuna

Translation

Can one put armor on a lion that naturally shines and excels?

Meaning

This expression is used to suggest that greatness, courage, or inherent talent cannot be confined, suppressed, or artificiality enhanced by external tools. Just as a lion's natural power and majesty are its own defense and don't require man-made armor, a person of true character or capability doesn't need external validation or artificial aids to prove their worth.

Related Phrases

Will what is not obtained through effort come by merely worrying?

This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance. It suggests that if something cannot be achieved through dedicated effort (vesarite), it certainly cannot be gained by simply overthinking, grieving, or worrying about it (vichariste). It is used to motivate someone to act rather than wallow in regret or anxiety.

No hope in you, no strength in me, yet ask to boil water in a seven-seer pot.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there are no resources or capabilities available, yet someone makes grand, unrealistic demands. It highlights the irony of planning a massive feast or task when both the provider and the recipient lack the basic means to even start.

An ox can learn within a year, but a blockhead (dullard) won't learn even in thirty years.

This proverb is used to comment on a person's intelligence or stubbornness. It implies that even a beast of burden like an ox can be trained and disciplined within a year, but a person who lacks the will or the mental capacity to learn will remain ignorant regardless of how much time passes.

Like eating sugar and calling it bitter.

This proverb is used to describe a person who displays ingratitude or makes baseless complaints despite receiving something good or beneficial. It refers to someone who is habitually dissatisfied or dishonest about their experiences, often finding fault even in the most pleasant circumstances.

A crane on a monkey's tree, it won't climb the tree it is asked to climb.

This expression is used to describe someone who is stubborn, contrary, or refuses to do what is requested of them, often doing the exact opposite or something unrelated instead. It highlights a lack of cooperation or a perverse nature.

Will a debt be repaid when you are hungry ? Can you ever get a debt repaid when you are in want ?

This proverb is used to emphasize that borrowed money or resources are not a permanent or reliable solution for immediate, basic needs. Just as one cannot rely on the uncertainty of getting a loan when they are starving, one should focus on self-reliance and earning their own living rather than depending on others for essential survival.

The incoming evil is announced by the word itself

This proverb suggests that one's own words or speech can often foreshadow or invite impending trouble. It is used to caution people to speak carefully, as negative words or slips of the tongue can sometimes manifest as bad luck or problems.

Poison covered with sugar.

This expression is used to describe something that appears attractive, sweet, or beneficial on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous underneath. It is often applied to deceptive words, treacherous people, or tempting offers that have hidden negative consequences.

A flattering speech is honeyed poison. (Latin.)* Sugared words generally prove bitter. (Spanish.)†

Sugar for the parrot, sugar for the ant

This expression describes a situation where a single act or resource benefits everyone involved, regardless of their status or size. It signifies impartiality, universal appeal, or a solution that satisfies diverse needs perfectly. In a broader sense, it refers to something being sweet or beneficial to all.

Nothing for anything, but boiling water for three.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone gains nothing from their efforts, and instead, even the existing essential resources or people are put in jeopardy or lost. It signifies a total loss or a counterproductive outcome where one ends up worse off than before.