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.

What the words are saying

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.

Everyday example

A friend offers to organise a shared outing; the group welcomes the help but asks everyone to see the booking conditions before committing.

When to use it

Use it when friendly language is being used in place of a clear and honest account.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.