పిల్లి తిన్న కోడి పిలిచినా పలుకదు
pilli tinna kodi pilichina palukadu
A chicken eaten by a cat will not respond even if called.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has suffered a loss or been exploited, and no matter how much you try to reach out or rectify it, the damage is irreversible. It is often applied to someone who has gone missing or something that has been stolen/consumed, implying it is futile to expect a response or return.
Related Phrases
ఎలుక ఎంత ఏడ్చినా పిల్లి తన పట్టు వదలదు.
eluka enta edchina pilli tana pattu vadaladu.
No matter how much the mouse cries, the cat will not release its grip.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a powerful person or an oppressor remains indifferent to the pleas or suffering of a victim. It implies that mercy is unlikely when there is a natural predator-prey relationship or a significant power imbalance, and the outcome is inevitable despite any amount of begging or sorrow.
మానుపిల్లి అయినా, మట్టి పిల్లి అయినా, ఎలుకను పట్టినదే పిల్లి
manupilli ayina, matti pilli ayina, elukanu pattinade pilli
A cat which kills a rat is a cat, whether it be of wood or mud. If the work be well done, never mind the instrument.
This expression emphasizes pragmatism and results over appearance or origin. It suggests that the value of someone or something should be judged by their ability to perform their intended task or achieve a goal, rather than their outward characteristics or status.
ఈ పిల్లి ఆ పాలు తాగునా?
i pilli a palu taguna?
Would this cat have drunk that milk ?
This is a sarcastic rhetorical question used to describe a person who pretends to be innocent, modest, or naive, while actually being quite the opposite. It is used when someone acts as if they are too good or too shy to do something that they are secretly very capable of or already doing.
A demure humbug.
కులం లేని వాడికి గుణం లేని వాడికి పిలిచి పిల్లనిస్తారా?
kulam leni vadiki gunam leni vadiki pilichi pillanistara?
Will anyone call and give their daughter in marriage to one without a lineage or one without character?
This expression emphasizes that social standing (lineage) and personal character are the primary criteria for trust and alliance in society. It is used to suggest that certain fundamental qualities are essential for someone to be considered worthy of respect or a significant responsibility like marriage.
దొరలు ఇచ్చిన పాలుకన్నా ధరణి ఇచ్చిన పాలు మేలు.
doralu ichchina palukanna dharani ichchina palu melu.
The share given by the earth is better than that given by the government. Free lands are better when fertile, than shares of grain allotted by government.
This proverb emphasizes self-reliance and the bounty of nature over patronage from the powerful. It suggests that what one earns through honest labor on their own land is superior and more sustainable than gifts or favors received from those in power, which often come with conditions or strings attached.
ఎలుక ఎంత ఏడ్చినా, పిల్లి తన పట్టు వదలదు.
eluka enta edchina, pilli tana pattu vadaladu.
However much the rat may cry, the cat will not let go her hold.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where a powerful person or an oppressor remains indifferent to the pleas, suffering, or tears of the weak. It suggests that once someone has a decisive advantage or control over another, they are unlikely to show mercy just because the victim is lamenting their fate.
ఎద్దు ఎక్కిన తీరుకాదు, సద్ది తిన్న నోరుకాదు.
eddu ekkina tirukadu, saddi tinna norukadu.
Neither like a person who has mounted an ox, nor like a mouth that has eaten curd rice.
This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks discipline, grace, or consistency in their actions. It refers to a person whose behavior is neither dignified (like a proper rider) nor satisfied/content (like someone who has had a good meal), indicating a state of being unrefined or chaotic.
గోడమీది పిల్లి వాటం
godamidi pilli vatam
The tendency of a cat on a wall
This expression refers to someone who is indecisive or waiting to see which side is more advantageous before taking a stand. Just as a cat sitting on a wall can jump to either side at any moment, it describes a person with a neutral or opportunistic stance who hasn't committed to a particular side yet.
ఇంటి పిల్లికి పొరుగింటి పిల్లి తోడు
inti pilliki poruginti pilli todu
The neighbour's cat is the ally of the house cat. Both join in mischief.
This expression is used to describe a situation where two people, often who should be at odds or are expected to be rivals, secretly collaborate or help each other for mutual benefit. It is frequently used to highlight how internal and external parties might conspire together, often in a negative or mischievous context.
పాలు తాగని పిల్లి ఉంటుందా?
palu tagani pilli untunda?
Is there a cat that doesn't drink milk?
This rhetorical question is used to describe a situation where someone is naturally or inevitably tempted by something they love. It is often applied when someone pretends to be disinterested in something they actually desire, or to imply that it is impossible for a person to resist a specific, habitual temptation.