పొట్టి తోకగల కోడె పొడిచినా నడవదు
potti tokagala kode podichina nadavadu
A short-tailed young bull won't budge even if poked.
This proverb refers to a person who is extremely stubborn or thick-skinned. It suggests that someone with inherent defects or a naturally defiant attitude will not change their behavior or move forward, no matter how much you pressure, coax, or push them.
Related Phrases
పోడిమగల నాడె పొరుగింటి పొందు
podimagala nade poruginti pondu
A neighbor's friendship exists only as long as one is prosperous.
This proverb highlights the fickle nature of relationships based on social or financial status. It suggests that neighbors or associates are friendly and supportive only when you are wealthy or influential, but they may distance themselves or disappear when you face hardships.
రాత పొడిచినా చావులేదు
rata podichina chavuledu
Death does not come even if the writing (fate) is pierced.
This expression is used to describe someone who is incredibly lucky or has survived a life-threatening situation against all odds. It implies that unless it is one's destined time to die, no amount of danger or misfortune can end their life.
ఉప్పు తిన్న కోడె ఊరిపోయింది, పప్పు తిన్న కోడె పాలిపోయింది
uppu tinna kode uripoyindi, pappu tinna kode palipoyindi
The bull that ate salt grew sturdy, while the bull that ate dal grew pale.
This proverb highlights the importance of hardship and a simple, rugged lifestyle in building strength versus the weakness caused by a pampered or luxurious lifestyle. In a practical sense, it suggests that basic, essential nutrients (salt/minerals) and hard work make one robust, whereas rich food (dal/protein) without corresponding physical strain leads to lethargy and lack of vigor. It is used to advise against over-indulgence and to value resilience.
తనను పొడిచిన గంగిగోవునయినా పొడిస్తే పాపములేదు.
tananu podichina gangigovunayina podiste papamuledu.
Killing a sacred cow that gores you is not sin.
This proverb justifies self-defense. It implies that when someone attacks or harms you, you have the right to defend yourself or retaliate, regardless of how noble, virtuous, or superior that person is usually considered to be. Even a sacred cow (symbol of non-violence and divinity) loses its immunity if it turns aggressive.
పీనుగను పొడిచిన బల్లెమువాడు
pinuganu podichina ballemuvadu
The man with the spear who stabbed a corpse.
This expression is used to describe a person who claims false bravery or credit for performing an act that required no effort or courage. It mocks someone who 'defeats' something that is already dead or powerless, highlighting the pointlessness and cowardice of their action.
నా వేలు పుచ్చుకొని నా కన్నే పొడిచినావా?
na velu puchchukoni na kanne podichinava?
Have you poked my eye with my own finger? To confute a man's reasoning with his own arguments.
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone whom you helped, nurtured, or supported ends up causing you harm or betraying you. It is similar to the English idiom 'to bite the hand that feeds you.'
నా వ్రేలుతో నా కన్నే పొడిచినాడు
na vreluto na kanne podichinadu
He poked my own eye with my own finger
This expression is used to describe a situation where someone uses your own resources, help, or trust to cause harm to you. It refers to being betrayed or inconvenienced by something or someone you previously supported or provided.
నీ మొగాన పొద్దు పొడిచినట్లు నిక్కుతావు
ni mogana poddu podichinatlu nikkutavu
You are strutting as if the sun rose exclusively on your face.
This expression is used to mock someone who is acting overly proud, arrogant, or self-important without any actual justification. It suggests the person thinks they are the center of the universe or have achieved something extraordinary when they haven't.
పోట్లాడే కోళ్ళు పొడిచినా పోవు
potlade kollu podichina povu
Fighting chickens will not leave even if they are pecked (hurt).
This proverb is used to describe people who are deeply committed to a rivalry or a conflict. Even when they suffer losses or injuries during the struggle, their stubbornness or animosity keeps them from backing down. It is often used to characterize persistent quarreling or long-standing feuds between individuals who refuse to reconcile despite the negative consequences.
తాను పెంచిన పొట్టేలే తన్నినట్లు.
tanu penchina pottele tanninatlu.
Like the ram one raised personally coming back to butt/kick them.
This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone is betrayed or harmed by a person they have nurtured, helped, or protected. It is similar to the English expression 'biting the hand that feeds you.' It highlights the irony and pain of facing ingratitude from those closest to us.