వ్యాఘ్రానికి దయలేదు, కామధేనువుకు స్వార్థంలేదు.

vyaghraniki dayaledu, kamadhenuvuku svarthamledu.

Translation

A tiger has no mercy, and the Kamadhenu (divine cow) has no selfishness.

Meaning

This expression highlights the inherent and unchangeable nature of beings. Just as a tiger is naturally predatory and cannot show mercy, a virtuous or divine person is naturally selfless and cannot act out of greed. It is used to describe how people act according to their fundamental character.

Related Phrases

The shouts of an Asadi have no meaning, and a blind eye has no sight.

This proverb is used to describe speech or actions that are completely nonsensical or useless. Just as it is impossible for a blind eye to see, it implies that certain talk (historically referring to the loud, rhythmic, but sometimes unintelligible chanting of the Asadi folk performers) lacks substance or logic. It is used to dismiss someone's words as noise without value.

There is no righteousness in tyranny, and there is no sight in a cataract.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is blinded by power or arrogance. Just as a physical cataract prevents a person from seeing the world, an oppressive or tyrannical mindset prevents a person from seeing what is fair, moral, or just. It emphasizes that power-hungry individuals often lose their sense of right and wrong.

Does a gemstone have a smell? Does selfishness have a taste?

This expression is used to highlight that certain things are inherently devoid of certain qualities, often in a cynical or philosophical context. Just as a gemstone is valued for its beauty and not its scent, selfishness is driven by personal gain and is completely indifferent to 'taste' (decency, ethics, or the feelings of others). It is often used to describe someone so consumed by self-interest that they lack any sense of moral refinement or empathy.

Greed has no end, sleep has no comfort.

This proverb highlights the restless nature of excessive desire. It means that there is no limit to human ambition or greed, and a person consumed by constant cravings can never find peace of mind or restful sleep. It is used to describe someone who is never satisfied with what they have.

The father has no education, and the mother has no pride.

This expression is used to describe a situation where people are exceptionally simple, modest, or perhaps lacking in expected qualities, yet live together harmoniously. It is often used to characterize a family or a couple who are very humble, unassuming, and devoid of any pretenses or ego.

There is no end to tradition, and no beginning to bad practices.

This proverb highlights that customs and rituals can be expanded infinitely, while improper or uncultured behaviors have no traceable origin or foundation. It is often used to comment on how people constantly add new rules to traditions or how bad habits seem to exist without any rhyme or reason.

A tiger with a cow's face

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite or a dangerous person who hides their true malicious nature behind a gentle, innocent, or saintly appearance. Similar to the English idiom 'A wolf in sheep's clothing'.

A tiger with a cow's face

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite or a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'. It refers to a person who appears gentle, innocent, and harmless like a cow on the outside, but is actually cruel, dangerous, or predatory like a tiger on the inside.

Like a holy pilgrimage and a personal interest coming together.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one trip or action serves two purposes: a spiritual or selfless duty and a personal or selfish gain. It is similar to the English expression 'killing two birds with one stone,' but specifically refers to achieving a personal benefit while performing a righteous or necessary task.

No meaning can be given to erroneous expressions. Applied to discrepancies in a statement.

This expression is used to state that lies are baseless, lack substance, or have no logical grounding. It implies that falsehoods do not carry any real value or significance in the long run.