తేనె నమ్మకు తీపులు మెండు.

tene nammaku tipulu mendu.

Translation

Do not trust honey; it has too much sweetness.

Meaning

This proverb warns against being easily deceived by excessively sweet words or flattering behavior. It suggests that someone who is overly nice or charming may have hidden motives or may be hiding a bitter truth behind their 'sweet' exterior.

Related Phrases

A house already built has many critics.

This proverb is used to describe how people find numerous faults or suggest unnecessary improvements only after a task is completed. It is similar to the English expression 'Hindsight is 20/20' or 'Everyone is a master after the event.'

The barren cow bellows much, and in the year of drought there is much thunder. Much smoke and little roast. (Italian.) All talk and no go.

This proverb describes people who possess little knowledge or substance but make the most noise or display. Just as a cow that doesn't give milk moos loudly, and a riverbed during a drought may produce lightning or illusions of water without providing actual relief, empty or incompetent people often brag or shout the loudest to hide their lack of worth.

The pits are more numerous than the gunny bags.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where the resources or solutions available are far fewer than the problems or needs that exist. It is often applied to financial situations where one's debts or holes (gothulu) are much larger than their savings or bags of wealth (gonelu).

An empty cowshed has too many shouts.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance, knowledge, or wealth but make a lot of noise or boast excessively. It is similar to the English proverb 'Empty vessels make the most noise.'

Empty clouds flash more lightning; a barren cow bellows more.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack substance or capability but make a lot of noise or boast excessively. Similar to the English idiom 'Empty vessels make the most noise', it suggests that those who talk the most or show off frequently are often the ones who achieve or contribute the least.

The lady who cannot cook seeks for much praise; the gentleman who cannot earn his livelihood is a great eater. He earns a farthing and has a penn'orth of thirst. (Dutch.)

This proverb is used to mock people who make excuses to avoid their responsibilities. It describes a situation where an incapable or lazy person blames physical ailments for not working, while someone who doesn't contribute resources still demands the most benefits. It highlights hypocrisy and laziness within a household or team.

Fake gold attracts many critics.

This proverb is used to describe how superficial or fake things/people often have a lot of noise, show, or observers around them. Just as fake gold requires many 'examiners' or 'cutters' (katikulu) to test it, falsehood often comes with excessive complications or people trying to verify/critique it, whereas truth or real gold stands silently on its own merit.

An incapable woman has many antics, an invalid coin has many scratches.

This proverb is used to describe people who lack actual skills or competence but try to overcompensate with excessive behavior, excuses, or drama. Just as a counterfeit or damaged coin often has more visible marks or decorations to hide its lack of value, a person who cannot perform a task often puts on a show of being busy or makes a lot of fuss to distract from their inadequacy.

A woman who cannot work has many antics; a woman who cannot cook has many grievances.

This proverb describes people who make excuses or create drama to avoid their responsibilities. It is used to mock those who lack skill or willingness to work but pretend to be busy or complain about external factors to hide their incompetence.

For that which is not meant to be, troubles are many

This expression is used to describe a situation or a project that is destined to fail or is inherently problematic. It suggests that when something is not right or is 'ill-fated', one will encounter an excessive number of obstacles and complications. It is often said when someone is struggling with a task that seems to be going wrong at every turn.