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.
Related Phrases
కుమ్మరి, కంసాలి పాలికి వేసిన పొలం పంటలాగా
kummari, kamsali paliki vesina polam pantalaga
Like a field crop shared between a potter and a goldsmith.
This expression is used to describe a situation or task that is neglected because the parties involved think the other will take care of it. Since a potter (kummar) and a goldsmith (kansali) have no expertise or primary interest in farming, a field left in their joint care will inevitably fail as neither takes responsibility.
వస్తానన్నదాన్ని, ఇస్తానన్నవాణ్ణి నమ్మరాదు.
vastanannadanni, istanannavanni nammaradu.
Do not trust a woman who says she will come, nor a man who says he will give.
This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.
కంసాలిమాయ కంసాలికి గాని తెలియదు.
kamsalimaya kamsaliki gani teliyadu.
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.
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.
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.
ఇస్తానన్న వాణ్ణి, వస్తానన్న దాన్ని నమ్మరాదు
istananna vanni, vastananna danni nammaradu
Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.
This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.
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.
కాటికి పోయినా కరణాన్ని నమ్మరాదు
katiki poyina karananni nammaradu
Don't trust a Karanaam even when he is being taken to the cemetery.
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.
కోమటికి లేమి, కంసాలికి కలిమి ఉండదు.
komatiki lemi, kamsaliki kalimi undadu.
A merchant (Komati) has no poverty, and a goldsmith (Kamsali) has no wealth.
This proverb reflects traditional social observations. It suggests that a merchant is usually prudent enough to never be truly broke, while a goldsmith, despite handling precious metals, rarely becomes exceptionally wealthy because they often live on commissions or work for others.
కాటికి పోయినా కాసు తప్పదు.
katiki poyina kasu tappadu.
Even if one goes to the cremation ground, the coin is inevitable.
This proverb highlights the persistent nature of greed or the inevitable burden of taxes and expenses. It refers to the tradition of placing a coin on a deceased person's body or paying a fee at the funeral pyre, implying that financial obligations or worldly attachments follow a person until the very end.