మచ్చనాలుక వానికి మాట నిలుకడలేదు.

machchanaluka vaniki mata nilukadaledu.

Translation

A person with a black tongue has no consistency in their word.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe someone who is untrustworthy, manipulative, or frequently changes their stance. A 'black tongue' (machanaluka) metaphorically refers to someone whose words can bring misfortune or someone who lies habitually, implying that their promises or statements cannot be relied upon.

Related Phrases

A coarse tax collector has no consistency in his word.

This proverb is used to describe someone who lacks integrity and frequently changes their stance or promises. It specifically refers to people who are unreliable, fickle, or untrustworthy in their speech, much like an uncouth official who changes rules at his whim.

Not everything black is water, and not everything white is milk.

This proverb is used as a warning to not judge anything based solely on its outward appearance. Just because something looks familiar or pure (like milk) doesn't mean it is. It emphasizes that reality can be different from superficial perception, advising people to be cautious and look deeper before forming a judgment.

The one who drinks water has no stability.

This proverb is used to describe someone who is restless, indecisive, or constantly on the move. Just as a person drinking water from their hands or a vessel might be in a hurry to finish and move on, it refers to a person who lacks patience or a steady nature.

Only stagnant water gathers moss.

This proverb suggests that stagnation leads to decay or dullness, while movement and change keep one fresh and active. In a practical sense, it can also mean that those who stay in one place or position for a long time are the ones who accumulate habits, reputations, or results, whether positive or negative.

When asked to speak word by word, the parrot started speaking filth.

This proverb describes a situation where someone is encouraged to speak or participate, but they end up saying something inappropriate, offensive, or counterproductive. It is used when a person lacks discretion and spoils a situation by oversharing or using foul language when they were expected to be polite.

An illicit husband and the shade of a palm tree are both unstable.

This proverb highlights things that lack permanence or reliability. Just as the shade of a tall, thin palm tree shifts rapidly and offers no real shelter, an illicit or informal relationship lacks legal or social security. It is used to describe situations or people that cannot be depended upon in the long run.

The parrot of a street speaks the language of that street.

This expression is used to describe a person who lacks a firm stance or individual principles, instead adapting their speech and behavior to please the people they are currently with. It can also refer to how someone's environment or upbringing heavily influences their dialect and opinions.

The word of an unstable man is a bundle of water.

This expression refers to someone who lacks consistency or reliability in their character. Just as it is impossible to tie water in a bundle, it is impossible to hold a fickle person to their promises. It is used to caution against trusting the words of those who frequently change their minds or lack integrity.

A fool's speech is a bubble of air.

Time passes away, but the word remains

This expression emphasizes the permanence and importance of one's promises or speech. While time is fleeting and situations change, the words you speak—especially promises or insults—leave a lasting impact and are remembered long after the moment has passed. It is used to advise someone to be careful with their words or to honor their commitments.

An unstable word is like a bundle of water.

This proverb is used to describe a person who does not stick to their word or lacks consistency in their promises. Just as it is impossible to pack or carry water in a bundle, the promises of an inconsistent person have no substance and cannot be relied upon.