రెండు నాలుకలవాడు

rendu nalukalavadu

Translation

A person with two tongues

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a hypocrite or a person who is deceitful. It refers to someone who says different things to different people or someone who goes back on their word (double-tongued).

Related Phrases

A tongue without a bone speaks in four different ways

This expression refers to the inconsistency of human speech. Since the tongue is flexible and has no bone (naram) to keep it rigid, it can easily change its stance or twist the truth. It is used to describe people who are unreliable, go back on their word, or change their versions of a story to suit their convenience.

One who has a tongue can travel in all four directions.

This proverb emphasizes the power of communication. It suggests that a person who can speak well, ask questions, and interact with others can navigate through any situation or place in the world without getting lost or stuck. Communication skills and the ability to seek help are key to survival and success.

The monitor lizard has two tongues.

This expression is used to describe a person who is untrustworthy, inconsistent, or goes back on their word. It characterizes someone who says one thing now and another thing later, similar to the English term 'double-tongued' or 'forked tongue'.

A tongueless bone can say anything.

This expression is used to describe people who make irresponsible statements, false promises, or inconsistent claims because the tongue is flexible and has no bone to restrain it. It highlights that talk is cheap and people can easily lie or change their words without consequence.

If the cow is black, is the milk also black?

This proverb is used to emphasize that external appearance does not define internal quality or character. Just as a black cow still yields white milk, a person's outward look or status does not dictate their inner worth or the value of their contribution.

If one eats for free, they are seen as a person of husk; if one eats little, they are seen as a merchant.

This proverb is used to describe how society judges people based on their consumption and social standing. It suggests that eating excessively at someone else's expense brings disrespect (equating one to worthless husk), whereas eating moderately or being thrifty is associated with the calculated nature of a merchant (Komati). It is often used to advise people on self-respect and moderation.

A washerman is better than an educated person. The washerman, though illiterate, invariably distinguishes the clothes belonging to different people by putting certain marks on them, but many of the educated cannot discern between good and evil.

This proverb is used to criticize an educated person who lacks common sense or practical wisdom. It implies that practical knowledge and a sensible approach to life (often attributed to simple workers like a washerman) are more valuable than formal education without the ability to apply it properly or behave appropriately.

The tongue without nerves goes all ways. When the conscience is dead, moral restraint disappears.

This proverb is used to describe people who are inconsistent or unreliable in their speech. Since the tongue is flexible (boneless), it can easily twist the truth, make false promises, or change versions of a story to suit the situation. It serves as a warning not to trust everything someone says blindly.

The strength of a woman is on her tongue

This expression suggests that a woman's primary power or weapon lies in her speech and verbal skills rather than physical force. It is often used to describe situations where someone uses words effectively to manage a situation or defend themselves.

A tongue without bones (nerves) speaks in many ways.

This proverb is used to describe how people can easily change their words, lie, or speak inconsistently because the tongue is flexible and lacks structural restraint. It is often a criticism of someone who makes false promises or shifts their stance conveniently.