పేను కుక్కినా కుక్కుతాడు, చెవి కరిచినా కరుస్తాడు

penu kukkina kukkutadu, chevi karichina karustadu

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

An over-fussy husband doesn't listen if told, and bites if not told.

This proverb describes a person who is extremely difficult to please or deal with. It refers to someone who ignores advice when it's given, but then gets angry and blames others for not informing them when things go wrong. It is used to characterize people with a stubborn, irrational, or fussy temperament.

The dog that was pampered bit the snout (face).

This proverb describes a situation where someone who was treated with excessive affection or leniency turns around and causes harm or shows disrespect to their benefactor. It is used to warn against the dangers of over-pampering or being too indulgent with people who lack character or discipline, as they may eventually take advantage of that kindness.

A barking dog never bites. Great barkers are nae biters. (Scotch.) A barking cur does not bite. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe people who make loud threats or talk aggressively but rarely take any real action. It suggests that those who boast or bluster the most are often the least dangerous.

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.

Don't send even your enemy near a dog which has vomited, or a bitch which has pupped.

This proverb highlights situations of extreme irritability and danger. A dog that has vomited is often sick and unpredictable, while a dog with newborns is fiercely protective and aggressive. It teaches that one should not put anyone—even a foe—into a situation where certain harm or irrational fury is expected.

A barking dog does not bite

This proverb is used to describe people who make a lot of noise, threats, or boasts but rarely take any actual action. It implies that those who are truly dangerous or effective do not need to shout about it, and those who shout are often harmless.

One who is riding an elephant will not be scared by the barking of a dog.

This proverb describes a person of high status, great character, or strong resolve who remains unbothered by petty criticisms or the noise of insignificant detractors. It is used to encourage someone to stay focused on their large goals without worrying about small-minded opposition.

An over-fussy husband doesn't listen if told, and bites if not told.

This expression describes a person who is extremely difficult to please or deal with due to their irrational and contradictory behavior. It is used to refer to individuals who ignore advice or instructions when given, yet become angry or reactive when they are left out of the loop or not informed about the same matter.

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

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.

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.