- English translation
A loving look gives itself away, and so does a hostile one.
- Literal wording
The eye of the beloved shows, and it has signs; and the eye of the enemy shows, and it has signs.
- Meaning and lesson
Real feeling cannot stay hidden for long. However hard a person works to mask what is in the heart, the way they look at others gives it away. Warm regard from anyone who holds you dear, not only a romantic partner, and quiet hostility each show themselves through the eyes.
The saying sets friend and foe side by side in a balanced, repeated rhythm to make the point general, without naming particular signals. Words can be managed and faces composed, but a glance tends to tell the truth, so an attentive observer can read loyalty or ill will.
- When it is used
Use it when someone tries to hide affection or hostility but their glances betray them, whether that person is a lover, friend, well-wisher or rival. It also works as advice to judge people by how they look at you. It suits informal talk about trust and suspicion.
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- Colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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