పాముకు విషము పండ్లలోనే ఉన్నది.

pamuku vishamu pandlalone unnadi.

Translation

A snake's poison is in its fangs. Said of a man ready for any villainy.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe people who hide their malice or harmful intentions behind their speech or physical features. It suggests that while a snake carries its danger in its fangs, certain individuals carry their 'poison' in their words or specific actions, warning others to be cautious of where the real danger lies.

Related Phrases

A man's shadow remains with himself.

This expression signifies that an individual's character, past actions, or inherent nature will always accompany them, regardless of where they go or how they try to hide. It is often used to describe consequences or traits that are inseparable from a person.

The fruits of a man's actions go with him whether good or evil.

A worm born in poison lives only in poison.

This proverb describes people who are accustomed to bad environments or negative habits. Just as a creature born in venom becomes immune to it and knows no other life, people raised in corruption or negativity may find it difficult to adapt to a virtuous or healthy lifestyle. It is often used to imply that someone's nature or behavior is a result of their deep-rooted environment.

For a king, poison is in his eyes; for a snake, poison is in its teeth.

This proverb highlights how power and danger manifest differently. A king's anger or a mere look of disapproval can destroy someone (symbolized by the eye), whereas a snake's threat is physical and direct through its bite (teeth). It is used to advise caution when dealing with powerful people or dangerous entities.

Poison is the antidote for poison.

This expression is used to suggest that a problem or an evil force can only be neutralized or countered by something of its own nature or intensity. It is similar to the English proverb 'Fight fire with fire' or 'Like cures like.'

Even if you feed a snake milk, its venom will not disappear.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is inherently wicked or malicious. It implies that no matter how much kindness, care, or nurturing you provide to someone with an evil nature, they will still retain their original bad character and may eventually harm you.

A worm born in poison lives only in poison.

This expression is used to describe individuals who are born into and raised in negative, corrupt, or toxic environments. It suggests that such people become so accustomed to their surroundings that they cannot thrive or exist anywhere else, often remaining unchanged despite external influences.

Like serving poison along with milk

This expression describes a situation where something harmful or malicious is hidden within something seemingly good, pure, or beneficial. It is used to caution against treachery or to describe a betrayal where kindness is used as a facade for a hidden agenda.

For a worm born in poison, poison itself is the food.

This expression suggests that individuals become accustomed to the environment they are raised in, no matter how toxic or harsh it may be. It is used to describe people who have grown up in negative circumstances and therefore find those conditions normal or even necessary for their survival.

A snake's poison is in its teeth, while a relative's poison is in their eyes.

This proverb highlights the bitterness or jealousy that can exist between close relatives (gnathulu). It suggests that while a snake carries its venom in its fangs to strike, an envious relative's malice is visible in their gaze or perspective. It is used to caution people about the deep-seated rivalry or 'evil eye' often found within extended families.

There is the village and here is my cup. Said by a beggar.

This expression is used to describe a state of complete carelessness, detachment, or having nothing to lose. It implies that as long as there is a society to live in and a basic means to survive (even by begging), one need not worry about responsibilities or property. It is often said by or about people who are wandering or living a carefree, nomadic life without any attachments.