స్వర్ణం చూసిన కంసాలి ప్రేమ

svarnam chusina kamsali prema

Translation

The love of a goldsmith upon seeing gold

Meaning

This expression refers to a person whose affection or interest is driven purely by greed or the potential for profit. Just as a goldsmith's 'love' for gold is actually a desire to manipulate, melt, and profit from it, this phrase describes opportunistic behavior where someone acts friendly only because they see a way to exploit someone or something for their own gain.

Related Phrases

Even if a tiger is chasing you, do not enter a goldsmith's shop.

This proverb warns that some people or places are so treacherous that seeking refuge there is more dangerous than the original threat. It implies that a goldsmith might find a way to cheat or exploit you even in a life-and-death crisis, suggesting one should avoid dealings with notoriously cunning or untrustworthy people regardless of the circumstances.

Love is blind

This expression is used to describe how someone in love often overlooks or fails to see the faults, flaws, or negative traits of the person they love. It suggests that emotion can cloud one's rational judgment.

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.

Love for the adopted - Hatred for the kinsman

This proverb contrasts the deep affection shown toward someone brought into the family by choice (an adopted child) with the deep-seated rivalry and animosity often felt toward close relatives or cousins (dayadi) due to property or inheritance disputes. It highlights how people can be more loving to outsiders than their own blood relatives.

Cobblers say "Again," goldsmiths say "Tomorrow." Dilatory in work.

This is a traditional Telugu proverb used to describe individuals who are always on the move or never found in their expected place. 'Malli' refers to a shoemaker (Madiga) who is often out collecting hides or delivering shoes, while 'Yelli' refers to a goldsmith (Kamsali) who might be away on business. It is used to mock or point out the unavailability of someone when you need them.

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.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will not spare it.

This proverb is used to describe people who are so professional, greedy, or habituated to their craft that they do not show bias or mercy even to their closest kin. It specifically refers to the old stereotype that a goldsmith invariably steals a small portion of gold during the making of jewelry, regardless of who the customer is.

If love is not in the belly (heart), will it come just because you want it?

This expression means that genuine affection or love cannot be forced or manufactured if it doesn't exist naturally. It is used when someone's display of care feels fake or when emphasizing that true feelings must come from within.

Love is not to be sold, not to be bought; the price of love is love itself.

This expression emphasizes the priceless and selfless nature of true love. It suggests that love cannot be treated as a commodity or a transaction; its only true value or exchange is the return of affection and devotion.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith will steal a little.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their professional traits or vices that they cannot overlook them, even for their closest relatives. It is often used to describe inherent professional dishonesty or a person's inability to change their nature regardless of the relationship.