proverb · Words worth keeping
Call me cousin; but cozen me not.
Call me cousin; but cozen me not.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Friendly names and claims of closeness do not excuse dishonest treatment. The wordplay contrasts being called cousin with being deceived, asking that warmth in a relationship be matched by straightforward conduct.
Example
A friend offers to organise a shared outing; the group welcomes the help but asks everyone to see the booking conditions before committing.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The invitation to call the speaker cousin accepts an expression of familiarity, while the second half sets a boundary around how that familiarity is used. A useful reading distinguishes pleasant language from the substance of an arrangement. Someone may welcome friendship or kinship without agreeing to concealed conditions, misleading descriptions or an unfair request. The proverb does not accuse relatives as a group or make every favour suspicious. Its point is that closeness should support honest dealing rather than replace it. The speaker can remain cordial while asking for the actual terms and declining something that relies on a misleading account.
When to use it
Use it when friendly language is being used in place of a clear and honest account.
Keep in mind
Closeness is not evidence of deceit; assess the specific conduct or arrangement.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English