పులికి తన కాడని, పర కాడని లేదు

puliki tana kadani, para kadani ledu

Translation

To a tiger, there is no distinction between its own place and others' place

Meaning

This expression means that a hungry or predatory person does not distinguish between their own people or strangers when they want to satisfy their greed or aggression. It is used to describe a person who is ruthless and lacks loyalty or empathy, treating everyone as a target regardless of their relationship.

Related Phrases

A tankam for arranging the match, and a pagani for the actual union.

This proverb refers to commission-based dealings or middleman fees. It describes a situation where a person demands payment at every stage of a process—once for making the introduction or arrangement (Tankam), and another for the successful completion of the task (Pagani). It is often used to critique people who are excessively greedy or those who demand multiple bribes/fees for a single outcome.

The first one doesn't have a husband, but a wedding is being planned for the last one.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where basic or primary needs are ignored, yet secondary or grand plans are being made. It highlights the irony of neglecting the most important task while focusing on something less urgent or impossible given the current circumstances.

The first daughter has no husband, but the last one wants a grand wedding.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the most basic or essential requirements are not yet met, but there are demands or preparations for something much more advanced or secondary. It highlights a lack of priority or unrealistic expectations in a sequence of events.

Is a deer too big a hunt for a tiger cub?

This expression implies that innate talent or heritage shows early. Just as a tiger cub is naturally capable of hunting, someone born into a certain lineage or possessing natural talent will inevitably exhibit those skills without effort. It is used to describe someone who shows great potential or follows in the footsteps of their illustrious ancestors.

Is an antelope equal to a tiger's cub ?

This expression is used to signify that even a young or small version of something powerful (like a tiger cub) is far superior to something that is naturally weak (like a deer). It is used to mock an underdog trying to challenge someone from a line of greatness or inherent strength.

Neither did the mother-in-law say yes, nor did the daughter-in-law say no.

This expression describes a state of total agreement or perfect harmony between two parties. It is often used to describe situations where there is no conflict, or conversely, used sarcastically to describe a situation where no progress is being made because no one is taking a definitive stand or challenging the other.

There is no point in worrying about what is past.

This proverb is equivalent to 'don't cry over spilled milk'. It is used to suggest that once something has happened or a mistake has been made that cannot be undone, there is no use in feeling regret or sorrow about it; instead, one should move forward.

Everyone knows that the bars around a tiger cage are not for its protection.

This expression is used to describe a situation where certain boundaries or restrictions are placed on a dangerous person or entity, not for their safety, but to protect others from them. It highlights that someone is being contained because they are a threat to society, even if they are powerful.

It is enough for what you sang and what I heard; for my nodding, just leave the Tambura and go.

This expression is used sarcastically to describe a situation where someone's performance or work is so bad that the listener/observer wants them to stop immediately. It implies that the effort was a waste of time and the 'appreciation' (nodding) was merely a courtesy, so the person should just hand over their tools and leave before causing further annoyance.

A copper coin for the person who left, a gold coin for the one who brought them together.

This proverb is used to highlight unfair or disproportionate rewards. It describes a situation where the person who actually did the work or was involved gets a very small amount (Agani), while the mediator or the one who arranged the deal gets a much larger reward (Tankam). It is often applied to middlemen taking excessive commissions.