తల్లి బంగారమైనా కంసాలి దొంగిలించక మానడు.

talli bangaramaina kamsali dongilinchaka manadu.

Translation

Though the gold were his mother's, the goldsmith would not stick at stealing it.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe an ingrained habit or professional trait that transcends personal relationships. It suggests that certain people cannot change their nature or 'tricks of the trade' even when dealing with their closest kin. It is often cited when someone acts according to their reputation or habit despite the circumstances.

Related Phrases

If our gold be good, what can the goldsmith do ? The purest gold is the most easily tested, and a goldsmith cannot easily cheat with it. A good character is proof against slander.

This proverb suggests that if our own character or work is flawless, we do not need to fear others trying to cheat us or find faults. It is used to emphasize that self-integrity is the best defense against external criticism or deception.

The everlasting thief is one day caught. The old fox is caught at last. The old ape is taken at last. (Latin.)

This proverb means that no matter how clever or successful someone is at hiding their wrongdoings or crimes for a long time, justice will eventually prevail and they will be caught. It is used to warn people that luck eventually runs out for those who consistently do wrong.

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.

Golden hooks do not necessarily catch golden fish.

This expression means that using expensive or high-quality tools does not always guarantee a superior or successful outcome. It highlights that merit, skill, or luck often matter more than the outward appearance or cost of the resources used. It is used to caution against the belief that money alone can buy success.

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.

Even if it is his mother's wedding locket, a goldsmith cannot refrain from stealing some gold.

This proverb highlights that some people are so habituated to their vices or professional dishonesty that they cannot make exceptions even for their own kin. It is used to describe an ingrained habit or a nature that remains unchanged regardless of the circumstances or emotional ties.

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.

When he went to steal, he only got an earthen dish. Disappointment in evil designs.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone attempts to commit a crime or a sneaky act with high expectations but ends up with something completely worthless or faces a disappointing outcome. It highlights the irony of a failed or unprofitable venture.

When one went to steal, they found a broken piece of a clay pot.

This expression is used to describe a situation where a person sets out with a negative intention or a risky plan to gain something, but ends up with something completely useless or worse than what they started with. It highlights the irony of failing miserably even in a dishonest attempt.

Even if the gold belongs to his own mother, a goldsmith cannot resist stealing a bit of it.

This proverb highlights that some people are bound by their professional habits or inherent nature, regardless of personal relationships. It is used to describe a situation where someone's professional greed or compulsive habit overrides their loyalty or ethics, even towards their closest kin.