అగసాలిని, వెలయాలిని నమ్మరాదు.
agasalini, velayalini nammaradu.
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.
Related Phrases
కరణాన్ని, కంసాలిని కాటికి పోయినా నమ్మరాదు.
karananni, kamsalini katiki poyina nammaradu.
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.
తల్లిని నమ్మినవాడు, ధరణిని నమ్మినవాడు చెడడు
tallini namminavadu, dharanini namminavadu chedadu
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.
కమ్మని, తుమ్మని నమ్మరాదు.
kammani, tummani nammaradu.
Do not trust a Kamma or a Thumma (Acacia) tree.
This is a historical folk saying or 'sameta' that warns of unpredictability. The literal comparison suggests that just as the Thumma tree is thorny and difficult to handle, one should be cautious in dealings. Note: Like many caste-based proverbs, this reflects historical social tensions or stereotypes and is used to describe situations where one should remain vigilant against potential deception or hidden 'thorns' in a situation.
ఆకు చుట్టను, ఆడదాన్ని నమ్మరాదు
aku chuttanu, adadanni nammaradu
One should not trust a hand-rolled cigar (chutta) or a woman.
This is a traditional Telugu proverb expressing a historical bias. It suggests that a leaf-cigar is unreliable because it can extinguish or burn unevenly at any moment, and metaphorically claims that a woman's mind is unpredictable or untrustworthy. It is used to caution someone against relying on things or people perceived as fickle.
తల్లిని నమ్మిన వాడు, ధరణిని నమ్మిన వాడు చెడిపోడు
tallini nammina vadu, dharanini nammina vadu chedipodu
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.
నవ్వలేనివారిని నమ్మరాదు
navvalenivarini nammaradu
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.
అగసాలిని వెలయాలిని నమ్మకూడదు.
agasalini velayalini nammakudadu.
A goldsmith and a prostitute should not be trusted.
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.
అగసాలి పొందు, వెలమల చెలిమి నమ్మరాదు.
agasali pondu, velamala chelimi nammaradu.
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.
వెలయాలి మాట కలలో మూట
velayali mata kalalo muta
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.
తలతడవి బాసచేసినా వెలయాలిని నమ్మరాదు.
talatadavi basachesina velayalini nammaradu.
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.