వ్రాసేవాడిని, కోసేవాడిని, గీసేవాడిని నమ్మరాదు.

vrasevadini, kosevadini, gisevadini nammaradu.

Translation

You should not trust a man who writes, cuts, or pares. i. e. a village accountant, a butcher, or a toddy-drawer.

Meaning

This proverb warns against trusting individuals from professions historically associated with manipulation, cruelty, or deception. In this context: the 'writer' (clerk/accountant) could manipulate records, the 'butcher' deals in death/slaughter, and the 'toddy-tapper' could dilute drinks or manipulate measurements. It is generally used to advise caution when dealing with people whose livelihoods depend on cleverness or cold-heartedness.

Notes

Put a miller, a weaver, and a tailor in a bag and shake them, the first that comes out will be a thief.

Related Phrases

A laughing woman and a crying man should not be trusted.

This is a traditional proverb suggesting that certain behaviors might be deceptive or out of character. It implies that a woman who laughs excessively might be hiding her true intentions or lack seriousness, while a man who resorts to tears might be using them as a manipulative tactic rather than expressing genuine grief, as men were traditionally expected to be stoic.

The sheep only trusts him who cuts its throat. The simple and unwary only trust their deceivers.

This proverb describes a state of extreme innocence or foolishness where a victim unknowingly trusts the very person who intends to harm or exploit them. It is used to caution someone who is being misled by a predator disguised as a friend or caretaker.

Even a dying man will rise up when he sees a liberal person. With the hope of receiving something from him.

This proverb highlights the power of generosity or the allure of receiving something for free. It implies that the prospect of receiving a gift or charity is so motivating that it can revitalize someone even in their weakest state. It is often used to describe situations where people suddenly become active or interested when there is a profit or benefit to be gained.

Do not trust a woman who says she will come, nor a man who says he will give.

This traditional proverb suggests being cautious of empty promises. It highlights that intentions or verbal commitments regarding a woman's arrival or a man's generosity are often unreliable until they actually manifest. It is used as a cautionary advice against blind faith in words alone.

There is no person who has not struck a herdsman, or abused a shepherd. Despised people.

This proverb reflects the difficult and often thankless nature of certain jobs where the worker is constantly subjected to criticism or physical abuse despite their hard work. It is used to describe situations where people in vulnerable or service-oriented positions are easy targets for blame and mistreatment by society.

One should not trust a writer, a butcher, and a toddy tapper.

This traditional proverb suggests caution when dealing with people in certain professions due to their ability to manipulate facts or situations. It refers to a writer's potential to alter records (the pen), a butcher's ease with violence (the knife), and a toddy tapper's deceptive practices or risky nature. It is generally used to advise someone to be wary of those who hold power through documentation or sharp tools.

Do not believe the man who says he will give, nor the woman who says she will come.

This proverb warns against relying on verbal promises or superficial assurances regarding material gain or romantic interest. It suggests that people often make empty promises to please others or to get out of a situation, and one should only believe actions rather than words.

You should not trust a black man among Brahmans, or a fair man among Pariahs. భ.

This is an old traditional saying based on physiognomy and social stereotypes. It suggests that individuals who possess physical characteristics uncommon to their community (like a very dark-skinned priest or a very fair-skinned laborer) are deviants from the norm and should be approached with caution or suspicion regarding their character.

One should not trust the one who writes, the one who cuts, and the one who draws.

This traditional proverb suggests caution when dealing with three specific professions: the writer (clerk/accountant who can manipulate records), the cutter (butcher/barber who handles sharp tools), and the drawer (toddy tapper who climbs trees). It implies that their work involves inherent deceit or physical risk, making absolute trust dangerous.

A sheep trusts even the butcher.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where an innocent or gullible person places their complete trust in someone who intends to harm or exploit them. It highlights the irony of victims being loyal to their oppressors due to ignorance or a lack of awareness.