పులి ఆకలైతే గడ్డి తింటుందా?

puli akalaite gaddi tintunda?

Translation

Will a tiger eat grass even if it is hungry?

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe people of high integrity, status, or specific nature who will never compromise their core principles or dignity, even when facing extreme hardship or desperate situations. Just as a tiger would rather starve than eat grass (which is against its nature), a person of character will not resort to base or unethical actions just to survive.

Related Phrases

Though the tiger be hungry will it eat grass ?

This expression is used to describe a person's inherent nature or integrity. It suggests that a person of high principles or specific traits will not compromise their character or stoop to low levels even when faced with extreme hardship or desperate situations.

Like a tiger being born to a leopard.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a child or descendant far surpasses the parents in stature, capability, or greatness. It highlights an extraordinary outcome from modest or ordinary origins, similar to the English concept of 'the student surpassing the master' or a humble lineage producing a great leader.

Will a goat be born in a tiger's womb?

This proverb is used to emphasize that children usually inherit the traits, courage, or characteristics of their parents. It is often said when someone expects a person born to a strong or talented family to display the same greatness, suggesting that 'greatness begets greatness' or that one's lineage determines their nature.

If asked to eat, the tiger says no.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves hypocritically or makes excuses to avoid doing something that they would normally enjoy or benefit from, often out of spite or to pretend they are disinterested.

If it happens, it's castor seeds; if not, it's pigeon peas.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one is prepared for two possible outcomes, often in farming or business. Castor plants grow in low rainfall, while pigeon peas need more rain. It signifies a win-win strategy or a fallback plan where regardless of the circumstances, there will be some form of harvest or benefit.

The bird that eats stones will eat stones, and the bird that eats gems will eat gems.

This expression refers to the inherent nature and destiny of individuals based on their character and surroundings. It signifies that people will gravitate towards things that match their worth, status, or habits. Just as birds follow their natural diet, humans pursue what they are accustomed to or what they truly deserve.

Will the grass placed in the middle of a fire not burn?

This proverb is used to illustrate that certain consequences are inevitable. Just as dry grass will surely catch fire if placed in a flame, a person cannot avoid trouble or corruption if they are constantly in a dangerous or unethical environment. It is often used as a warning about the influence of bad company or risky situations.

If it works out, it's Kodo millet; if not, it's Pigeon pea.

This proverb is used to describe a 'win-win' situation or a situation where there are only two possible outcomes, both of which are acceptable or manageable. It highlights a state of being prepared for either of two specific results, often implying that even if the primary goal isn't met, the alternative is still useful.

"If we succeed, she shall be his wife; if not, she shall be a recluse." Said by the parents of a girl, who had set their hearts upon getting her married to a certain man. Either Cæsar or nobody. (Latin.)

This expression describes a situation where an outcome results in one of two extremes—either total success or complete subservience/failure. It is used to describe a high-stakes scenario or a person who finds themselves in a position where they must either be the master of a situation or its humble servant, with no middle ground.

No matter how severe the famine is, will a tiger ever eat grass?

This proverb is used to describe people of high integrity or specific innate nature who will never compromise their core principles or dignity, even when facing extreme hardship or poverty. Just as a tiger's nature is to hunt and not eat grass even if starving, a person of character will not resort to base or unethical actions regardless of the situation.