All are not friends that speak us fair.

Meaning: Flattery conceals hostile intent; pleasant words alone don't guarantee genuine friendship.

Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.

More proverbs about Communication

From our false friends

  • Ropa — Actually means 'clothes'. A rope is una cuerda.
  • Sopa — Actually means 'soup'. Soap is jabón.
  • Once — Actually means 'eleven'. For once (one time), say una vez.

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