Cunning

This expression is used to describe someone who makes grand, impossible promises or creates beautiful illusions to deceive others. It refers to the act of painting a false picture of success or luxury that does not exist in reality, often used in the context of scams or false hopes.

This expression is used to describe someone who tries to sound clever or correct others by using a different word that means exactly the same thing. It highlights a distinction without a difference, mocking someone who argues over trivial terminology or semantics when the end result is identical.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a solid wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception should at least be logically sound or well-constructed to be effective, or to criticize someone whose lies are easily seen through due to inconsistency.

This proverb describes people who are overly flattering, patient, and sweet until they get what they want from you, but become indifferent or careless once their goal is achieved. It highlights the change in a person's attitude before and after their work is completed.

This expression refers to a person who is exceptionally clever, cunning, or a master manipulator. It describes someone who can perform the impossible or create a connection/conflict between people where no basis (like hair for a knot) exists. It is often used to describe a person who can fix things through sheer wit or, conversely, someone who creates mischief between parties.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of people whose emotions seem performative or calculated. It implies that excessive emotional displays—like a man using tears to gain sympathy or a woman using laughter to mask her true intentions—can be signs of deceit or manipulation. It is used to advise someone to look beyond superficial behaviors when judging character.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious. It implies that no matter how much kindness, care, or nurturing you provide to someone with an evil nature, they will still retain their original bad character and may eventually harm you.

This proverb describes a lazy or evasive person who enjoys the benefits (the meal) but makes up creative excuses (fear of the dark/scary times) to avoid doing the actual work or responsibility associated with it.

This expression is used to describe people who come up with many excuses, stories, or elaborate explanations to justify their actions or cover up their mistakes. Just as a fortune-teller (Gadde) has an endless supply of predictions and tales to tell a client, a person who is making excuses will always have another story ready.

This expression is used to describe someone who engages in silly, annoying, or unproductive behavior simply because they are bored or idle. It highlights that an idle mind often leads to mischief or pointless actions.

This expression describes a person who takes undue advantage of a small opportunity or a brief moment of distraction to settle in or create a large burden for others. It is used when someone cunningly makes themselves comfortable or inserts their own agenda the moment they find a little space or time.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone takes advantage of a specific occasion to sneak in their own petty or mischievous actions. It refers to a story where a mother-in-law, while performing a ritual to ward off the evil eye for her son-in-law, uses the proximity to secretly pinch him. It highlights behavior where a person performs a malicious act under the guise of doing something formal or necessary.

This proverb describes how different characters handle trouble. A monkey makes its wound worse by constantly picking at it (Brahma-Rakshasa refers to something uncontrollable). Similarly, the hidden malice or suppressed anger of a deceptive, silent person (nalimuchu) is even more dangerous and agonizing, like a jagged saw. It is used to warn that small problems or quiet people can become extremely destructive if mishandled.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone's small mistake or vulnerability is immediately taken advantage of by another person, or when someone is interrupted at a very awkward moment. It refers to the act of hitting or shutting someone's mouth right when they have it wide open to yawn.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone offers a lot of sweet talk, fake affection, or empty promises but provides no actual help or material support when needed. It characterizes people who are generous with words but stingy with actions.

Speaking kindly, but rendering no assistance. Deeds are love, and not fine phrases. (Spanish.)* Words are female, deeds are male. (Italian.)†

This expression refers to an anonymous person who spreads rumors, writes anonymous letters, or makes baseless allegations without revealing their identity. It is typically used to describe the source of an unsigned complaint or a prank call.

This expression is used to critique religious hypocrisy. It suggests that people who put on outward displays of piety or wear religious symbols (like the Lingam) can sometimes be the most deceitful, using their holy appearance as a cover for their dishonest actions.

This expression is used to describe a pair of people who are equally wicked, cunning, or dangerous and work together to deceive or harm others. It originates from the story of two demon brothers in Hindu mythology who collaborated to kill travelers.

This is a traditional folk saying used to warn that people who appear dark or quiet might harbor deep-seated cunning or hidden malice. It is often used to suggest that one should be cautious of the hidden intentions of certain individuals, though it is considered a stereotypical or superstitious observation in modern contexts.

This proverb is used to describe a person who lacks skill or makes a mistake, but blames their tools, environment, or others instead of admitting their own incompetence. It is equivalent to the English proverb 'A bad workman always blames his tools.'