పొదుగెంత జారినా కుక్క గోవు కాదు
podugenta jarina kukka govu kadu
No matter how much the udder sags, a dog will not become a cow.
This proverb is used to say that an individual's fundamental nature or character cannot be changed by superficial or external appearances. Just as physical changes cannot turn a dog into a cow, a person with bad intentions or low character cannot be considered noble just by mimicking the outward traits of great people.
Related Phrases
కుక్క గోవు కాదు, కుందేలు పులి కాదు.
kukka govu kadu, kundelu puli kadu.
A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger.
This expression is used to emphasize that things or people have their own inherent nature and limitations. One cannot change their fundamental character or identity to become something superior or entirely different just by imitation or wishful thinking.
తిన్న కుక్క తినిపోతే, కన్న కుక్కను కట్టేసినారంట.
tinna kukka tinipote, kanna kukkanu kattesinaranta.
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.
కర్రికుక్క కపిలగోవు అవునా?
karrikukka kapilagovu avuna?
Will a black bitch become a Kapila cow ? The Kapila is a tawny cow worshipped by the Hindus.
This proverb is used to emphasize that a person's inherent nature, character, or fundamental qualities cannot be changed by superficial means or simply by wishing for it. It suggests that something of low quality or ill-natured character cannot transform into something noble and sacred.
కాశీకి వెళ్ళగానే కర్రి కుక్క గంగ గోవు అవుతుందా?
kashiki vellagane karri kukka ganga govu avutunda?
Will a black dog turn into a holy cow just by going to Kashi?
This proverb suggests that a person's fundamental character or nature does not change simply by visiting a holy place or changing their environment. It is used to point out that superficial actions cannot hide or transform one's true qualities.
కాలు జారిన పిల్ల బతుకు, నోరు జారిన పెద్ద బతుకు వ్యర్థం
kalu jarina pilla batuku, noru jarina pedda batuku vyartham
The life of a child who slips (physically) and the life of an elder who slips (verbally) are wasted.
This proverb emphasizes the gravity of words spoken by mature individuals. Just as a physical fall can permanently disable a child's future, a person of status or age who speaks carelessly or fails to keep their word loses all respect and credibility in society. It highlights that responsibility and verbal integrity are the foundation of a meaningful life.
ఏరు ఎంత పారినా కుక్కకు కతుకు నీళ్లే
eru enta parina kukkaku katuku nille
Let the river flow ever so abundantly, the dog only gets what it can lap up. A servant neglected by a master liberal to strangers.
This proverb suggests that even when resources or opportunities are abundant, a person's gain is limited by their own capacity, character, or destiny. It is often used to describe someone who cannot benefit fully from great wealth or status due to their inherent limitations or poor habits.
* Il n'y a pire eau que l'eau qui dort.
చవి ఎరిగిన కుక్క చావగొట్టినా పోదు
chavi erigina kukka chavagottina podu
A dog that has tasted (something delicious) will not leave even if beaten to death.
This proverb describes a situation where someone who has experienced a particular pleasure, benefit, or profit will persist in seeking it despite facing hardships, punishments, or obstacles. It is often used to refer to people with stubborn habits or those who keep returning to a place where they found success or enjoyment.
కుక్క గోవు కాదు, కుందేలు పులి కాదు
kukka govu kadu, kundelu puli kadu
A dog is not a cow, and a rabbit is not a tiger
This expression means that every being or object has its own inherent nature and limitations. It is used to suggest that one cannot change their fundamental character or capabilities to become something vastly different, emphasizing that appearances or minor similarities do not change one's true essence.
చళ్ళు జారిన ముండకు, వట్టలు జారిన విటకాడు
challu jarina mundaku, vattalu jarina vitakadu
For a widow with sagging breasts, a lover with sagging testicles.
This proverb is used to describe a pair or a match where both parties are equally flawed, aged, or past their prime. It implies that people often find partners or associates who are at a similar level of disadvantage or condition as themselves. It is used in a derogatory or mocking sense to point out that 'like meets like' in suboptimal situations.
ఏరు ఎంత పారినా కుక్కకు గతుకునీళ్ళే
eru enta parina kukkaku gatukunille
No matter how much the river flows, a dog can only lap up water.
This proverb describes a person's inherent nature or destiny that limits their ability to enjoy abundance. Even when surrounded by immense resources or opportunities, someone with a narrow mindset or bad habits will only take what their limited character allows. It is used to suggest that some people never change their ways regardless of their circumstances.