proverb · Traditional
A half truth is a whole lie.
A half truth called a whole lie warns that selective accuracy can mislead. The saying asks whether omitted context changes what a listener understands.
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What does it mean?
Start with the thought in plain English. Then explore the imagery, a practical example, when to use it, and what the saying does not mean.
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16 matching explanations
proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
A mistake is no reckoning.
An incorrect calculation does not become valid because someone relies on it. Check an error and correct the result rather than treating a mistaken account as settled.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Every one preaches for his own saint.
People often recommend the cause they already favour. Consider their commitments and interests when evaluating enthusiastic advice rather than treating it as neutral by default.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Every potter vaunts his own pot.
People selling or making something tend to praise it. Treat their description as one perspective and look for relevant evidence before deciding its quality or suitability.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
From confessors, doctors, and lawyers, do not conceal the truth of your case.
The saying values an accurate account when seeking help from a trusted adviser. Its list of professional and religious roles contrasts useful understanding with an account that conceals relevant facts.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
He may lie boldly who comes from afar.
A distant account can be hard to check, allowing an invented story to sound convincing. The saying draws attention to verification rather than encouraging dishonesty.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
He sins as much who holds the bag as he who puts into it.
Holding the bag is placed beside putting things into it, extending responsibility to a person who knowingly enables wrongdoing.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Honesty is the best policy; but he who acts on this principle is not an honest man.
Honesty pursued only for personal advantage is different from honesty valued as a principle. The saying questions a motive that lasts only while truthful conduct appears to pay.
Read the explanation and example ↗quote · Miguel De Cervantes
Honesty is the best policy.
Being truthful often protects trust and avoids the complications of maintaining a deception. Honest conduct can support lasting relationships even when admitting the truth is uncomfortable.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Knavery may serve for a turn, but honesty is best in the long run.
Dishonesty may gain a short-term advantage while damaging trust that matters later. Consider the lasting consequences of a deceptive act, rather than judging it only by the immediate result.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional
Of all the crafts honesty is the master-craft.
Honesty gives skilled work a dependable basis by making its claims and dealings trustworthy. The saying values truthful conduct alongside ability, rather than promising that honesty alone supplies every skill or always earns a reward.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
Old reckonings breed new disputes.
Old unsettled accounts can start new arguments. Clarifying an earlier understanding may prevent a present disagreement from inheriting unresolved confusion.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Right or wrong, God aid our purpose.
Loyalty to a purpose is declared stronger than concern about whether it is right. The appeal for divine aid exposes a partisan wish, without establishing divine approval or excusing wrongful conduct.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
The wrong doer is never without a pretext.
A person accused of wrongdoing may offer a convenient explanation instead of accepting responsibility. Examine whether the reason addresses what happened, without assuming that every defence is merely an excuse.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (Spanish-language collection)
Throw that bone to another dog.
The speaker rejects what is being offered and tells the other person to try it elsewhere. The bone and another dog express refusal to accept a proposal, without proving that the proposal is dishonest.
Read the explanation and example ↗proverb · Traditional (French-language collection)
To put a good face on a bad game.
Composure can help you face an unfavourable situation. Presenting a steady manner is useful when it supports action, but it should not require denying what has gone wrong.
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