తినమంటే పులి వలదు

tinamante puli valadu

Translation

If asked to eat, the tiger says no.

Meaning

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.

Related Phrases

A goat-coloured tiger. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

This expression is used to describe a person who appears innocent, gentle, or harmless on the outside (like a goat) but is actually dangerous, treacherous, or wicked on the inside (like a tiger). It is the Telugu equivalent of the English idiom 'A wolf in sheep's clothing'.

When asked to dine he comes to stab.

This expression is used to describe a person who reacts with unnecessary hostility or anger to a kind offer or a helpful suggestion. It highlights a character that is ungrateful, perverse, or aggressive in nature.

Like a lizard that fell into milk

This expression describes a situation where a single unpleasant element or unwanted person ruins an otherwise pure, good, or perfect situation. Just as a lizard falling into milk makes the entire container of milk unfit for consumption, this phrase is used when someone's presence or a specific event creates a sense of disgust or spoils the harmony of a gathering.

Non-current cash will never pass [in currency ]; an unloving husband will never love [his wife ].

This proverb suggests that certain things are inherently flawed or incompatible and cannot be changed or fixed. Just as a fake coin will always be rejected in trade, a person or relationship for which there is deep-seated aversion or fundamental incompatibility will never truly be accepted or successful.

If told to bite, the snake gets angry; if told to let go, the frog gets angry.

This proverb is used to describe a dilemma or a 'catch-22' situation where any decision made will result in displeasing one party or causing a problem. It reflects a state of being stuck between two difficult choices where you cannot satisfy everyone.

Even the goddess of pestilence passes over the woman un- loved by her husband. Because her misery cannot be augmented; death would only release her from her sufferings. Māri or Māriyamma (Sans. Māri) is the fury supposed to preside over the small-pox and other epidemiological diseases. You cannot damage a wrecked ship. (Ilanan.)

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so unfortunate or troublesome that they are rejected by everyone, including their own family and even fate. It signifies a state of total abandonment or being an outcast whom nobody wants to take responsibility for.

Like a cat with a burnt foot

This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely restless, anxious, or unable to stay in one place. Just as a cat with a burnt paw would jump around in distress, it refers to a person moving about aimlessly or frantically due to tension or urgency.

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.

We fear the tiger, and the tiger fears us.

This expression describes a state of mutual fear or a standoff between two parties. It is used in situations where both sides are equally intimidated by each other, preventing either from taking action. It highlights that the perceived threat is often reciprocal.

When asked to sit, the rear is diseased; when asked to eat, the mouth is diseased.

This expression is used to describe a person who makes constant excuses to avoid work or responsibility, yet claims inability even for things that benefit them just to be stubborn or lazy. It highlights the behavior of someone who is never cooperative, regardless of the situation.