Cunning

This proverb is used to describe a person who is extremely calculative and never performs an action unless there is a personal benefit or profit involved. It highlights a purely transactional mindset where even a risky or seemingly selfless act is driven by hidden gain.

The Śetṭis and Kômaṭis are very greedy and very cowardly. People do not risk their lives unless they have some great object to gain by it.

This proverb is used to describe a hypocrite or a deceptive person who speaks very sweetly and convincingly, but whose entire character is built on falsehoods and dishonesty. It warns not to be fooled by someone's charming speech when their actions and nature are untrustworthy.

This proverb describes a situation where a responsibility or a valuable asset is entrusted to someone who is most likely to abuse or steal it. It is used when a person makes a foolish decision by trusting an untrustworthy individual, effectively creating an opportunity for their own loss.

This expression is used to describe someone who appears calm, beautiful, or well-behaved while stationary or silent, but turns out to be aggressive, loud, or ill-mannered once they start acting or speaking. It is often used to warn that appearances can be deceptive.

This proverb suggests that the charms, delusions, or manipulative tactics of women can be so captivating that they blind a person to reality. It is typically used to warn someone about being misled by physical attraction or superficial beauty, implying that such influences can cloud one's judgment like a magician's trick.

This expression is used when someone tries to use the same tricks, tactics, or logic against the person who originally taught them those very things. It is often said sarcastically when a student or subordinate attempts to outsmart their mentor or superior using the mentor's own methods.

This expression is used to describe something that appears attractive, sweet, or beneficial on the surface but is actually harmful or dangerous underneath. It is often applied to deceptive words, treacherous people, or tempting offers that have hidden negative consequences.

A flattering speech is honeyed poison. (Latin.)* Sugared words generally prove bitter. (Spanish.)†

This expression is used to describe a person who, given an opportunity or access to a place, will naturally look for ways to fulfill their greed or take advantage of the situation. It implies that certain behaviors are predictable based on one's character.

This proverb is used to describe opportunistic or selfish people who show great respect and devotion to someone only as long as they need a favor. Once their objective is achieved, they treat the same person with contempt or indifference.

This proverb is traditionally used to suggest that women possess a unique or unpredictable sharpness of mind, often implying they can think of unconventional or clever solutions that others might miss. It is sometimes used to describe a change of heart or a contrary way of thinking.

This proverb is used to warn that people who speak very sweetly or appear charming can also be the ones who cause the most harm or betrayal. It suggests that sweetness can sometimes mask a sharp sting, similar to the English expression 'A honey tongue, a heart of gall.'

This is a sarcastic Telugu proverb used to mock someone who makes excuses for their own inability by putting the burden on someone else's endurance. It is often used when someone promises to perform a task repeatedly or excessively, provided the other person can tolerate the consequences, implying that the task itself is no trouble for the performer but rather a test for the receiver.

This expression is used to describe someone who takes excessive, unnecessary, or absurdly early precautions that make no sense given the distance or context. It mocks people who exhibit extreme over-cautiousness or start acting suspiciously long before they reach their destination or the scene of action.

This proverb suggests that people often use pretenses to protect their interests. A wealthy person might fake a cough or illness to avoid fulfilling a social obligation or giving money, just as a fake ascetic might wear saffron robes (kaashaayam) to deceive others. It is used to describe deceptive behavior used to hide the truth or avoid responsibility.

This proverb is used to suggest that certain difficult problems or cunning people must be dealt with using the same methods or tools that caused the trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'Fight fire with fire' or 'Set a thief to catch a thief'.

This expression describes someone who is waiting patiently or cunningly for an opportunity to benefit from someone else's misfortune or mistake. It is used to refer to opportunistic behavior, similar to a fox waiting for prey to fall into a hole or for a trap to be sprung.

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 is used to describe a person taking advantage of a busy or chaotic situation to accomplish their own personal tasks or selfish motives unnoticed. It is similar to the English concept of 'making hay while the sun shines,' but often carries a slightly opportunistic or sneaky connotation.

This expression is used to emphasize the importance of acting immediately on a good opportunity or a noble task. It suggests that procrastination or unnecessary waiting can ruin the value of a positive outcome, effectively turning something sweet (nectar) into something harmful (poison).

This proverb is used to describe a person who is habitually deceitful or manipulative. Historically, 'Karanams' were village officials known for clever record-keeping that often favored themselves. The saying suggests that some people are so inherently untrustworthy or cunning that you should remain cautious of them until your very last breath.