ఉరిమి మొరిగే కుక్క కన్నా యోగియే మేలురా.
urimi morige kukka kanna yogiye melura.
A quiet sage is better than a barking and growling dog.
This proverb is used to convey that a person who is calm, wise, and peaceful (like a yogi) is far superior to someone who is constantly aggressive, loud, or making empty threats (like a barking dog). It emphasizes the value of composure over unnecessary hostility.
Related Phrases
వెర్రిదైన కుక్క వేసారి తిరుగురా
verridaina kukka vesari tirugura
A mad dog wanders until it is exhausted.
This expression is used to describe a person who lacks focus or wisdom, wasting their energy by wandering aimlessly or doing unproductive work. It implies that without a clear goal or sanity, one's efforts only lead to exhaustion without any result.
మెరుగు వేయనిదే మెరుగురాదు
merugu veyanide meruguradu
Without polishing, shine does not come.
This expression means that excellence or brilliance cannot be achieved without hard work, refinement, or practice. Just as a gem needs to be polished to sparkle, a person or a skill needs consistent effort and improvement to reach its full potential.
కుక్కలు మొరుగుతుంటాయి, ఏనుగు సాగిపోతూనే ఉంటుంది
kukkalu morugutuntayi, enugu sagipotune untundi
Dogs bark, but the elephant keeps walking.
This expression means that people will always criticize or gossip about those who are successful or moving forward. It suggests that one should ignore petty criticism and stay focused on their own path or goals. It is used to advise someone not to be distracted by the noise of detractors.
ఇరుగు కాదు, పొరుగు కాదు, పెరుగు పోసిన గురిగె కాదు
irugu kadu, porugu kadu, perugu posina gurige kadu
It is not a neighbor, it is not a surrounding person, and it is not a pot filled with curd.
This is a traditional Telugu riddle or a rhythmic expression used to describe something that seems familiar or close but is actually distinct. It is often used to refer to a mirror or a reflection, where the image looks like someone you know (a neighbor) or is contained in a vessel, but isn't actually that person or object.
మీద మెరుగులు, లోన పురుగులు
mida merugulu, lona purugulu
Glitter on the outside, worms on the inside
This proverb is used to describe something or someone that looks attractive, polished, or perfect on the outside but is actually rotten, corrupt, or empty on the inside. It is equivalent to the English expression 'All that glitters is not gold' and is often used to warn against judging by outward appearances.
ఒక్కప్రొద్దు మాట కుక్క యెరుగునా?
okkaproddu mata kukka yeruguna?
Does a dog know what a fast means ?
This proverb is used to point out that someone who lacks character, discipline, or depth cannot understand or appreciate the value of sacred traditions, sacrifices, or high principles. Just as a dog only cares about its next meal and cannot grasp the spiritual purpose of fasting, an ignorant or base person cannot understand noble intentions.
* Una bugia ne tira diect.
సంతమెరుగు, సానిమెరుగు.
santamerugu, sanimerugu.
The decorations of a fair and of a loose woman. Ornament which soon disappears and exposes the real wretchedness.
This proverb describes things that are temporary and superficial. Just as a marketplace is bustling and vibrant only during trading hours and becomes desolate afterward, or a courtesan's beauty is enhanced only for professional allure, some situations or appearances lack depth and permanent value.
ఏనుగు వెళ్తుంటే కుక్కలు మొరుగుతాయి
enugu veltunte kukkalu morugutayi
The elephant keeps walking while the dogs keep barking
This proverb is used to suggest that great people or those on a path of success should ignore petty criticism or insignificant detractors. Just as an elephant does not stop its journey because of barking dogs, one should remain focused on their goals despite what others say.
మిద్దె మీద పరుగు మీసాల మీద మెరుగు
midde mida parugu misala mida merugu
Running on the roof and shining the mustache.
This expression refers to someone who focuses on outward appearances, vanity, or superficial shows of status while lacking actual substance, property, or a solid foundation. It describes a person who prioritizes pride and showing off over practical stability.
పేడ తిన్న పురుగు బెల్లం మెరుగురా
peda tinna purugu bellam merugura
A worm that eats dung cannot know the taste of jaggery.
This proverb is used to describe a person with low tastes or poor character who cannot appreciate the value or quality of something superior. Just as an insect that thrives in filth cannot comprehend the sweetness of jaggery, an ignorant or narrow-minded person cannot understand refined ideas or virtuous things.