అబద్ధమాడినా గోడ పెట్టినట్టు ఉండవలెను

abaddhamadina goda pettinattu undavalenu

Translation

If you do tell a lie, let it be like a wall.

Meaning

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a solid wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception should at least be logically sound or well-constructed to be effective, or to criticize someone whose lies are easily seen through due to inconsistency.

Related Phrases

A woman's lie is as solid as a built wall.

This proverb is used to describe a lie that is so well-constructed, firm, and convincing that it is difficult to break or find faults in. It suggests that once a clever lie is 'built' like a wall, it stands strong and hides the truth effectively.

Even if you tell a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This proverb suggests that if one must lie, the lie should be consistent, firm, and believable, much like a well-constructed wall. It is used to point out that a person's deception is poorly structured or easily seen through due to inconsistencies.

It must be with the goldsmith, or in the chafing-dish. Said of gold made away with by a swindling goldsmith.

This proverb is used to describe things or situations that have no middle ground or compromise. It refers to gold, which must either be in the hands of the goldsmith to be shaped or in the furnace (brazier) to be purified. It implies that a person or a task should either be completely involved in the process or undergoing transformation, leaving no room for being idle or halfway done.

If one tells a lie, it should be like building a wall.

This expression suggests that if someone chooses to lie, the lie must be so consistent, firm, and well-constructed that it leaves no gaps for doubt, much like a solid wall. It is often used to comment on someone's deceptive skills or to point out that a lie must be convincing to be successful.

You must keep a Nawâyati lad and a bundle of betel leaves wet. Nawâyati is a sect of Muhammadans ( See the " Qanoon-e-Ilam" page 12 et seq. )—Water is thrown on betel leaves by the bazar-men to keep them fresh and to prevent their being blown away.

This proverb suggests that certain things require constant attention or 'lubrication' to function or stay fresh. Just as betel leaves dry up and spoil without water, a 'Navayatee' (referring historically to a specific community or high-maintenance guest) requires constant hospitality, feeding, or bribery to stay satisfied. It is used to describe high-maintenance people or situations that demand continuous upkeep.

Even a golden plate needs the support of a wall.

This proverb emphasizes that no matter how wealthy, talented, or powerful a person is, they still need external support or a foundation to remain stable. Just as a precious golden plate cannot stand upright without leaning against a wall, every individual needs the backing of family, friends, or society to succeed and maintain their position.

Is there a lie unknown to the heart ?

This expression means that while one can lie to the world, it is impossible to deceive one's own conscience. Every individual is internally aware of the truth regardless of the falsehoods they speak outwardly. It is often used to emphasize self-accountability and the fact that one cannot hide from their own thoughts.

It should look like grieving while also applying a branding iron.

This proverb describes a hypocritical or clever action where someone pretends to sympathize with a person while simultaneously causing them harm or delivering a harsh punishment. It is used to describe situations where a person acts out of self-interest or discipline under the guise of concern.

Pretend to condole when you cauterize.

This proverb describes a situation where someone pretends to be sympathetic or helpful while actually causing harm or dealing a severe blow. It is used to describe a calculated action that appears kind on the surface but is intended to teach a painful lesson or inflict damage, or to describe someone who acts with duplicity.

To hide one lie a thousand lies are wanted. One lie makes many. One lie draws ten after it. [Iralan.]

This proverb highlights the compounding nature of dishonesty. Once a person tells a single lie, they are often forced to create a complex web of additional falsehoods to maintain the original deception and prevent it from being discovered.