పులిని చూసీ నక్క వాత బెట్టుకున్నట్ళు.

pulini chusi nakka vata bettukunnatlu.

Translation

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

Meaning

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.

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.

Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint

This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.

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.

Like poking a tiger with a stick

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily provokes or irritates a powerful, dangerous, or short-tempered person, thereby inviting trouble or a violent reaction. It highlights the foolishness of instigating someone who is already capable of causing significant harm.

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 a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

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.

Like going to a wedding while carrying a cat under one's arm.

This expression describes a situation where someone brings along an unnecessary burden or a nuisance while trying to perform an important task. It refers to people who create their own obstacles or distractions that make a simple or celebratory event difficult for themselves and others.

Like a buffalo getting a branding mark after seeing a spotted deer.

This proverb describes the foolishness of blindly imitating others who are naturally superior or different, only to end up hurting oneself. It refers to someone trying to achieve a natural trait of another (like the beautiful spots of a deer) through painful and artificial means (like branding a buffalo), which ultimately results in futile suffering.

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

This proverb describes a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone far superior in status, strength, or talent, only to end up hurting themselves or looking ridiculous. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the actual capability or nature of the person being copied.