పెక్కలెగయబలిసినా దున్న ఏనుగుకాదు
pekkalegayabalisina dunna enugukadu
Even if its thighs swell to the size of a buffalo's, it will never become an elephant.
This proverb is used to describe people who think they can achieve greatness or a higher status simply by outward appearance or minor improvements. It implies that inner quality, true strength, or inherent nature cannot be changed through superficial growth. Just as a buffalo can never become an elephant no matter how big it grows, a person lacking true character or capability cannot become great just by imitating the external traits of greatness.
Related Phrases
ఇచ్చెనా ఏనుగుపాడి
ichchena enugupadi
If given, it's like the yield of an elephant.
This expression is used to describe a person who is extremely unpredictable in their generosity. When they choose to give, they give in massive, overwhelming quantities (like the 'milk' or yield of a giant elephant), but they might also go long periods without giving anything at all. It refers to a temperament that is erratic—either total abundance or nothing.
తెగబలిసిన ఆబోతెద్దు తానెక్కదు, ఇంకొకదానిని ఎక్కనీయదు.
tegabalisina aboteddu tanekkadu, inkokadanini ekkaniyadu.
An excessively fat stud bull neither climbs nor lets another one climb.
This expression describes a dog-in-the-manger situation. It is used to criticize a person who is unable or unwilling to perform a task or utilize a resource, but out of spite or arrogance, prevents others from doing so as well.
పంది ఎంత బలిసినా నంది కాదు
pandi enta balisina nandi kadu
No matter how fat a pig gets, it will never become a Nandi (sacred bull).
This proverb is used to say that outward appearance or physical growth cannot change one's inherent nature, character, or status. Just as a pig cannot become a divine bull by simply gaining weight, an unworthy person cannot become noble or great just by acquiring wealth or power.
ఇరుగు కాదు, పొరుగు కాదు, పెరుగు పోసిన గురిగె కాదు
irugu kadu, porugu kadu, perugu posina gurige kadu
It is not a neighbor, it is not a surrounding person, and it is not a pot filled with curd.
This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic expression used to describe something that seems familiar or close but is actually distinct. It is often used to refer to a mirror or a reflection, where the image looks like someone you know (a neighbor) or is contained in a vessel, but isn't actually that person or object.
ఎనుము గొప్పదయినా ఏనుగు బోలునా?
enumu goppadayina enugu boluna?
Even if a buffalo is big, can it be equal to an elephant?
This proverb is used to say that size or quantity cannot replace quality or inherent status. Just as a buffalo, no matter how large, cannot match the majesty or strength of an elephant, a common person or thing cannot equal someone or something that is naturally superior or more valuable.
పల్లాన పోయినా ఏనుగే, మిట్టన పోయినా ఏనుగే
pallana poyina enuge, mittana poyina enuge
Whether it goes through a valley or over a hill, an elephant is still an elephant.
This proverb emphasizes that greatness and intrinsic value do not change based on circumstances or surroundings. A person of high character or status remains significant whether they are in a low position or a high one.
కుక్కలు కూసినంత మాత్రాన ఏనుగు పరువుపోతుందా
kukkalu kusinanta matrana enugu paruvupotunda
Does an elephant lose its dignity just because dogs bark at it?
This expression is used to convey that the status or reputation of a great person is not diminished by the petty criticisms or insults of insignificant or inferior people. It suggests that one should ignore baseless noise and maintain their composure.
ఎంత తొండమున్నా దోమ ఏనుగు కాదు
enta tondamunna doma enugu kadu
No matter how long its trunk is, a mosquito cannot become an elephant.
This expression is used to remind that imitation or having a single similar trait does not equate to having the actual stature, strength, or essence of another. It highlights that inherent nature and capability cannot be changed by superficial similarities or mere pretension.
ఎనుబోతు బలిసి ఏనుగువలెనున్న భ్రమరంబులకు మదప్రాప్తిలేదు.
enubotu balisi enuguvalenunna bhramarambulaku madapraptiledu.
Even if a male buffalo grows fat and looks like an elephant, it does not gain the majestic fluid (rut) that attracts bees.
This proverb is used to explain that mere physical growth or imitation does not bring inherent quality, dignity, or true stature. Just as a buffalo cannot become a royal elephant simply by becoming large, a person cannot gain respect or talent just by mimicking the appearance of greatness without having the actual substance or character.
మెట్టనున్న ఏనుగే, పల్లానున్న ఏనుగే
mettanunna enuge, pallanunna enuge
An elephant on the plateau is an elephant, and an elephant in the lowlands is still an elephant.
This proverb signifies that a person's inherent value, character, or status does not change based on their current circumstances or location. Whether in a high position or a low one, greatness remains greatness.