అగసాలిని వెలయాలిని నమ్మకూడదు.

agasalini velayalini nammakudadu.

Translation

A goldsmith and a prostitute should not be trusted.

Meaning

This proverb advises caution against trusting individuals whose professions were historically associated with deceit or transactional relationships. In a broader sense, it serves as a warning to be wary of those who might prioritize personal gain or craftiness over honesty in their dealings.

Related Phrases

For the woman who heard, her back burned; for the mother who gave birth, her womb burned.

This proverb contrasts superficial sympathy with deep, genuine pain. While an outsider (the listener) might feel a momentary or mild annoyance (back burning), only the person directly involved or the parent (the mother) feels the true, excruciating agony (womb burning). It is used to describe situations where bystanders can never truly understand the depth of a victim's suffering.

Do not trust a village clerk or a goldsmith even if they are on their way to the funeral pyre.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting historical social distrust towards certain professions. It suggests that individuals in roles requiring extreme cunningness or dealing with precious materials (like the village record-keeper and the goldsmith) are inherently deceptive. It implies their deceitful nature remains unchanged until the very end of their lives.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth will never be ruined.

This proverb emphasizes the virtues of gratitude and hard work. It suggests that a mother's blessing and the rewards of agriculture (cultivating the land) are the most reliable foundations for a successful life. It is used to highlight that devotion to one's parents and an honest living through nature or labor will always provide security and prosperity.

A goldsmith and a prostitute should not be trusted.

This traditional proverb suggests that certain professions are inherently driven by self-interest or deceit. It implies that a goldsmith might skim off a bit of gold from every ornament they make, and a person whose affection is for sale (prostitute) cannot be relied upon for genuine loyalty. It is used as a cautionary saying about where to place one's trust.

One who trusts his mother and one who trusts the earth (land) will never be ruined.

This proverb highlights the reliability of two foundational elements: one's mother and the earth. It suggests that a mother's guidance and love are selfless and protective, while agriculture (or staying rooted to the land) provides a sustainable livelihood. Those who remain loyal to their roots and respect these life-givers will always prosper and never face ultimate downfall.

One who cannot smile should not be trusted

This expression suggests that a person who lacks warmth, humor, or the ability to smile is often hiding their true nature or may be cold-hearted. It is used as a cautionary piece of advice to be wary of individuals who remain stoic or expressionless, as their intentions may be difficult to gauge.

The friendship of a goldsmith and the companionship of the Velamas should not be trusted.

This is a traditional proverb reflecting social observations of the past. It suggests that certain relationships or alliances can be deceptive or unreliable. It is used to advise caution and skepticism when dealing with people who might have hidden motives or whose loyalty may be fleeting.

The priest of Shiva went and hit the lower-ranked priest (Tambali).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person tries to exert authority or vent their frustration on someone who is only slightly below them in status or similarly situated, often while both are in a struggling position. It highlights internal conflicts between people of similar circles instead of focusing on actual problems.

A courtesan's word is like a bundle found in a dream.

This proverb implies that promises or words spoken by someone who is primarily driven by self-interest or monetary gain (historically referring to courtesans) are unreliable and illusory. Just as a bundle of wealth found in a dream disappears upon waking, such promises have no value in reality.

Even if she touches her head and swears an oath, a prostitute should not be trusted.

This proverb is used to warn someone against trusting individuals who are inherently fickle, mercenary, or lack integrity. It suggests that certain people's promises, no matter how solemn the oath (like touching the head, which is a significant gesture in Indian culture), are unreliable because their loyalty is driven by money or self-interest rather than character.