పులికి ఆకలి అయితే గడ్డి తింటుందా?

puliki akali ayite gaddi tintunda?

Translation

Though the tiger be hungry will it eat grass ?

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

A woman who has already eaten cold leftovers cannot understand her husband's hunger.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is already comfortable, satisfied, or has their needs met fails to empathize with the struggles or urgency of others. It highlights a lack of empathy or perspective when one is in a privileged or secure position compared to those around them.

The sister is ours, but is the sisters's husband ours also ?

This proverb highlights that personal relationships do not automatically extend to third parties or transfer ownership/loyalty. It is used to caution against over-relying on someone just because they are related to a close person of yours, emphasizing that their interests or loyalties might still remain separate.

They make themselves fools for a child. Lit. They eat grass. Foolish vows are made and silly ceremonies performed to propitiate the gods and obtain children.

This expression is used to describe the extent to which parents are willing to endure extreme hardships, humiliation, or do anything—even something undignified—to ensure the well-being and future of their children.

There is no appetite for food unhoped for.

This expression suggests that if you have no interest or hope in obtaining something, you won't feel the need or 'hunger' for it. It is used to describe a state of indifference or detachment, where the lack of expectation leads to a lack of desire.

If a horse be starving it will eat even Ârika grass.

This proverb describes a situation of extreme necessity or desperation. It implies that when a person is in dire straits or facing a crisis, they will set aside their high standards, pride, or preferences and accept whatever humble resources or low-quality options are available to survive.

Is a bullock which has fallen down from fatigue afraid of a tiger ? Resignation to one's fate through utter helplessness.

This proverb describes a situation where someone who has already lost everything or is in an extreme state of suffering no longer fears further threats or consequences. It is used to indicate that when a person is at their lowest point or has nothing left to lose, intimidation no longer works on them.

A tiger that has just given birth is hungrier.

This proverb describes someone who is in a highly aggressive, sensitive, or dangerous state after a significant exertion or loss. Just as a tigress is extremely protective and ferocious after birthing her cubs due to hunger and instinct, it is used to warn others to stay away from someone who is currently in a very volatile or provoked mood.

The wife who has eaten breakfast [ at home ] does not think of her husband's hunger. Little knows the fat sow what the lean one means. The full belly does not believe in hunger. (Italian.)

This proverb describes a situation where a person who is comfortable or has already satisfied their own needs cannot empathize with the suffering or needs of others. It is used to criticize someone's lack of empathy due to their own self-satisfaction.

The woman who has eaten the previous night's leftovers does not understand her husband's hunger.

This proverb describes a situation where a person who is comfortable or has their needs met fails to empathize with the struggles or needs of others. It is used to highlight selfishness or a lack of perspective when one's own belly is full.

Will a tiger eat grass even if it is hungry?

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.