పులిని చూచి నక్క వాతలు పెట్టుకొన్నట్లు

pulini chuchi nakka vatalu pettukonnatlu

Translation

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.

Related Phrases

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger

This proverb describes a situation where someone foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing self-harm or ridicule in the process. It is used to mock people who blindly copy others without having the same inherent talent or status.

Like a fox branding itself with scars after seeing a tiger's stripes.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or qualities of the person being mimicked.

Like the fox branding itself, to match the tiger’s stripes.

The reference is to ordinary person trying to pretend that he is a great man by imitating mere external features and mannerism of a great person. By such efforts one only makes a fool of oneself.

Seeing the husband is a waste, seeing the lover is a festival.

This is a bold, satirical proverb used to describe a person who neglects their duties or legitimate relationships (like a husband) in favor of forbidden or exciting external attractions (like a lover). It is used to mock people who find no value in the things they already possess but are overjoyed by things that are fleeting or improper.

The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.

This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.

Look at the mother before you take the daughter; see how much milk the buffalo gives before you buy her.

This proverb suggests that the character and qualities of a person are often inherited or influenced by their upbringing and ancestry. It is commonly used in the context of marriage or forming long-term alliances, implying that observing the parents (background) provides a reliable preview of the individual's nature.

Like a crow wearing a peacock's feather after seeing a peacock.

This proverb describes someone who tries to imitate others who are more naturally talented, beautiful, or superior, often appearing foolish in the process. It is used when a person tries to copy someone's external appearance or status without having the actual underlying qualities or character.

After the jackal had departed, the hole lamented and wept. Great sorrow in a household.

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes action or seeks a solution after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done. It is used to mock futile, late efforts that serve no purpose, similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Like a fox dancing after watching a peacock.

This expression is used to describe a person who tries to imitate someone else's natural talent or success without having the necessary skill or capability. Just as a fox can never match the grace of a peacock's dance, certain people make themselves look foolish by blindly copying others.

Like the neighbor branding themselves after seeing the other neighbor.

This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others without considering one's own capacity, necessity, or circumstances. It is typically used when someone tries to copy another person's lifestyle or actions out of envy or competition, only to end up hurting themselves.