పట్టుకత్తిరించినట్లు మాట్లాడినా మనసేమో పలుగురాయి.

pattukattirinchinatlu matladina manasemo palugurayi.

Translation

Even if speech is like cutting silk, the heart is like a hard stone.

Meaning

This expression describes a person who speaks very softly, smoothly, and politely (like cutting through silk) but possesses a cold, hard, or cruel heart. It is used to warn about individuals whose outward behavior is deceptive and charming while their internal nature is unkind or unyielding.

Related Phrases

Turning the heel as soon as one speaks

This expression is used to describe someone who is inconsistent, frequently changes their stance, or fails to stand by their word. It characterizes a person who lacks integrity or goes back on promises immediately after making them.

Coming for daily wages but asking for a share in the property.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone who is hired for a small task or holds a subordinate position oversteps their boundaries and demands authority, ownership, or a share in the profits. It highlights the audacity of a person who forgets their actual status and expects more than what they are entitled to.

While the face looks like a big respectable man, the intellect is that of a donkey.

This expression is used to describe someone who looks dignified, elderly, or respectable on the outside but lacks common sense, basic etiquette, or behaves foolishly/stubbornly. It highlights the contrast between one's mature appearance and their immature or foolish behavior.

He came for hire, and asked for a share [in the business]. A cool request.

This proverb is used to describe a person who, despite having a very minor or temporary role in a task or organization, tries to claim ownership, authority, or a large share of the profits. It highlights the audacity of someone overstepping their boundaries.

To a good man silence is reproof.

This proverb highlights that a simple, kind, or honest word is sufficient to correct or influence a person of good character. While a stubborn or wicked person might require force or punishment, a virtuous person understands and responds to reason and gentle communication.

He speaks like one rolling stones and boulders. Said of a man who speaks boldly whether right or wrong.

This expression is used to describe someone who speaks in a very loud, harsh, or thundering voice. It characterizes a person's speech as being blunt, noisy, and lacking in softness or politeness, much like the loud rumbling sound produced by rolling large stones.

You should speak as silk is cut. i. e. give a decided answer, as unmistakable as the cut of silk is clean.

This expression means that one's speech should be precise, brief, and very clear, similar to the clean and smooth cut of a sharp pair of scissors through silk fabric. It is used to advise someone to be straightforward and articulate without unnecessary ambiguity.

Like the back of the head speaking when the mouth is closed.

This expression is used to describe a person who is exceptionally stubborn, argumentative, or persistent. It implies that even if you manage to silence them or win an argument, they will still find a way to have the last word or continue their defiance through some other means.

When you speak in the day time, look around ; at night don't speak at all. ( Hills see, walls hear. ( Spanish. ) )

This proverb warns about the importance of secrecy and caution when discussing sensitive matters. It suggests that even in daylight, one must check their surroundings for eavesdroppers, but at night, when sounds travel further and silence is unpredictable, it is better to remain completely silent to avoid being overheard.

As the mouth speaks, the forehead mocks.

This expression describes a situation where someone's words and their non-verbal cues (or true intentions) are contradictory. It is used to point out hypocrisy or a lack of sincerity, suggesting that while the person is saying something pleasant or formal, their facial expressions or inner attitude betray their real, often negative, feelings.