A honey tongue, a heart of gall.
Meaning and origin
This Latin proverb "Mel in ore, verba lactis, fel in corde, fraus in factis" translates to "A honey tongue, a heart of gall".
The proverb warns against people who may speak sweetly and convincingly, but harbor bitterness and deceit in their hearts. It cautions against trusting appearances and emphasizes the importance of looking beyond words to judge someone's true character.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- All that glitters is not gold.
- Still waters run deep.
- There is truth in wine.
- None so deaf as those who will not hear.
- Many a true word is spoken in jest.
- A fair face may hide a foul heart.
- Iron hand in a velvet glove.
- Lies have short legs.
- Barking dogs seldom bite.
- Truth is mighty and will prevail.
- Appearances are deceptive.
- The cowl does not make the monk.
- The face is no index to the heart.
- The biter bit.
- A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth.
- All are not thieves that dogs bark at.
- Children and fools tell the truth.
- A little body often harbours a great soul.
- All are not hunters that blow the horn.
- It is not the gay coat that makes the gentleman.
- When candles are out, all cats are grey.
- All are good lasses, but whence come the bad wives?
- A traveller may lie with authority.
- Great boast and small roast.
- You cannot hide an eel in a sack.
- Liars have need of good memories.
- Truth has a scratched face.
- Fair without, false within.