కన్నతల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి వదలడు.

kannatalli bangaramaina kamsali vadaladu.

Translation

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.

Related Phrases

Even if a tiger is chasing you, do not enter a goldsmith's shop.

This proverb warns that some people or places are so treacherous that seeking refuge there is more dangerous than the original threat. It implies that a goldsmith might find a way to cheat or exploit you even in a life-and-death crisis, suggesting one should avoid dealings with notoriously cunning or untrustworthy people regardless of the circumstances.

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

Cobblers say "Again," goldsmiths say "Tomorrow." Dilatory in work.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.

A strict birth mother and plain rice are still the best.

This proverb emphasizes that even if a biological mother is strict or harsh, her love is genuine and beneficial for the child, just as plain rice is nutritious and sustaining even without side dishes. It suggests that basic, essential things are superior to fancy alternatives.

A goldsmith's fraud is only known to a goldsmith. A story is told of a young goldsmith who disguised himself as a Brahman and married a Brahman's daughter. He perceived and dis- closed on one occasion the fraud of another goldsmith who had cheated his father-in-law ; this man in revenge exposed the young impostor.

This proverb implies that the internal secrets, tricks, or professional deceits of a specific trade or group are only understood by those within that same field. It is used to describe situations where one expert can see through the cunning tactics of another expert, while a layperson remains unaware.

Even if it is his mother's wedding locket, a goldsmith cannot refrain from stealing some gold.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their vices or professional dishonesty that they cannot make exceptions even for their own kin. It is used to describe an ingrained habit or a nature that remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances or emotional ties.

Though the gold were his mother's, the goldsmith would not stick at stealing it.

This proverb is used to describe an ingrained habit or professional trait that transcends personal relationships. It suggests that certain people cannot change their nature or 'tricks of the trade' even when dealing with their closest kin. It is often cited when someone acts according to their reputation or habit despite the circumstances.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will steal a little.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their professional traits or vices that they cannot overlook them, even for their closest relatives. It is often used to describe inherent professional dishonesty or a person's inability to change their nature regardless of the relationship.

The village where one lives is like one's own mother.

This proverb emphasizes the deep emotional connection and debt of gratitude one owes to their birthplace or hometown. Just as a mother nurtures and protects her child, the place where one grows up provides sustenance, identity, and a sense of belonging. It is used to encourage patriotism, loyalty to one's roots, or to remind someone never to forget their origins.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith cannot resist stealing a bit of it.

This proverb highlights that some people are bound by their professional habits or inherent nature, regardless of personal relationships. It is used to describe a situation where someone's professional greed or compulsive habit overrides their loyalty or ethics, even towards their closest kin.