పండ్లూడిన కుక్కను పసరమైనా కరుచును

pandludina kukkanu pasaramaina karuchunu

Translation

Even a herbivore will bite a dog that has lost its teeth.

Meaning

This proverb describes how a person who has lost their power, influence, or strength will be intimidated or harassed even by those who are much weaker or whom they once dominated. It is used to highlight how circumstances can change one's status and invite disrespect from unlikely sources.

Related Phrases

While the dog that ate the food ran away, they tied up the dog that saw it happen.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the actual culprit or wrongdoer escapes, and an innocent bystander or a witness is unfairly blamed or punished for the deed. It highlights a failure of justice or a mistake in identifying the true offender.

[ The monkey ] may either kill the louse, or bite off the ear.

This expression is used to describe an unpredictable person who oscillates between extremes—someone who can be insignificantly helpful or harmlessly quiet one moment, and then suddenly do something aggressive, harmful, or unexpected the next. It highlights a volatile or inconsistent personality.

A snake bites; a scream (or commotion) spoils.

This proverb suggests that while a snake's bite is a direct physical harm, the panic or loud screaming that follows can cause even more damage or ruin the situation. It is used to advise someone to stay calm during a crisis, as overreacting or creating a commotion can be more counterproductive than the problem itself.

When the dog which had eaten [ the food ] ran off, he caught hold of another dog and broke its leg. Making the innocent suffer for the guilty.

This proverb describes a situation where the actual culprit escapes, and an innocent person who happens to be nearby is punished for the crime. It is used to highlight injustice or a lapse in judgement where the wrong person is held accountable for someone else's mistake.

Will a dog with fallen teeth not bite the cattle?

This proverb is used to describe a situation where even if someone has lost their primary power or strength, their basic nature or instincts do not change. Just because a dog is old and toothless, it doesn't mean it won't try to attack or snap at prey. It implies that one should still be cautious of a person's inherent character regardless of their current weakened state.

Even if you maintain a friendship with a Velama for a thousand years, you won't see even a single cent of benefit.

This is a traditional proverb (Sameta) used to describe a relationship where one party is perceived as stingy or excessively frugal. It suggests that despite long-term loyalty or association with certain people, one might not receive any material or monetary favors in return. It is often used to caution against expecting financial help from those who are known to be miserly or strictly business-minded.

One should either have authority in the village or land on the village outskirts.

This proverb highlights the importance of social status and economic convenience. It suggests that to live comfortably and successfully in a community, one should either possess political/social power (authority) or own fertile land close to the village (utility/wealth) to ensure easy management and prosperity.

If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.

This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.

Nothing can bite a dog that turns back to face it.

This proverb emphasizes that when you stand your ground and face a problem or an enemy bravely, they lose their power to harm you. It is used to encourage courage and resilience in the face of adversity, suggesting that fear attracts more trouble while confrontation can end it.

Like a louse biting the ear when it gets angry.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is weak or insignificant tries to show their anger or retaliate in a way that is ultimately harmless or petty. It highlights the futility of an underdog's rage against someone much stronger.