Signification
Lies will be discovered soon.
Contexte culturel
In tight-knit Greek villages, reputation is everything. This proverb acted as a social contract; because everyone knew everyone, a lie really couldn't travel more than a few meters before hitting the truth. Greeks are famously cynical about politicians. This phrase is the most common weapon used by the public to express that they aren't fooled by empty promises. Greek upbringing emphasizes 'philotimo'. Parents use this proverb not just to punish, but to teach that dishonesty makes one 'small' or 'crippled' in the eyes of society. While secular, the proverb aligns with Orthodox Christian values regarding the 'light' of truth and the 'darkness' of deception.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound very Greek, shake your index finger slightly while saying this phrase.
Don't use 'πόδια'
Using the standard 'πόδια' makes the proverb lose its traditional charm.
Signification
Lies will be discovered soon.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound very Greek, shake your index finger slightly while saying this phrase.
Don't use 'πόδια'
Using the standard 'πόδια' makes the proverb lose its traditional charm.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Το ψέμα έχει κοντά _______.
The traditional form of the proverb uses 'ποδάρια'.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Το ψέμα έχει κοντά ποδάρια'?
A person is caught cheating on a test they said they studied for.
The proverb is used when a lie is discovered.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Είπα στην μαμά ότι έπλυνα τα πιάτα, αλλά δεν το έκανα. Β: Πρόσεχε, γιατί ________________.
Person B is warning Person A that their lie will be found out.
Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΤο ψέμα έχει κοντά _______.
The traditional form of the proverb uses 'ποδάρια'.
A person is caught cheating on a test they said they studied for.
The proverb is used when a lie is discovered.
Α: Είπα στην μαμά ότι έπλυνα τα πιάτα, αλλά δεν το έκανα. Β: Πρόσεχε, γιατί ________________.
Person B is warning Person A that their lie will be found out.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot necessarily, but it is a direct accusation of lying. Use it with friends or when discussing third parties, but be careful with strangers.
Yes, it is the most common way to teach Greek children about honesty.
It's a folk form that has been preserved in the proverb to give it a specific rhythmic and traditional feel.
Expressions liées
Καθαρός ουρανός αστραπές δεν φοβάται
contrastA clear sky is not afraid of lightning.
Η αλήθεια λάμπει
similarThe truth shines.
Μια του κλέφτη, δυο του κλέφτη...
builds onThe thief gets caught eventually.
