Signification
The truth always comes out.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuanian folklore, 'Melas' is often personified as a character who tries to outsmart 'Tiesa' (Truth) but always fails due to physical or mental limitations. Honesty is a core value in Baltic pagan traditions, where 'Darna' (harmony) is achieved through truth and integrity. The proverb was used as a subtle way to criticize state propaganda, implying that the 'official' lies would eventually be exposed. Lithuanian 'fact-checkers' often use this proverb as a slogan for their work in debunking fake news.
Verb Placement
Always put 'turi' at the end. It makes you sound like a native speaker who knows their proverbs.
Don't be literal
Don't use this to describe someone's actual leg length. It's strictly for lies!
Signification
The truth always comes out.
Verb Placement
Always put 'turi' at the end. It makes you sound like a native speaker who knows their proverbs.
Don't be literal
Don't use this to describe someone's actual leg length. It's strictly for lies!
Use with kids
This is the most effective way to gently scold a Lithuanian child without being too harsh.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Melas trumpas ______ turi.
The proverb specifically refers to 'legs' (kojas).
Which sentence is the correct form of the proverb?
Choose the standard Lithuanian proverb:
While others are grammatically possible, 'Melas trumpas kojas turi' is the fixed proverbial form.
Match the situation to the proverb's application.
A politician is caught taking a bribe after denying it for months. What do you say?
This proverb is used when a lie is exposed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kodėl tu man melavai? B: Aš bijojau... A: Matai, dabar visi žino tiesą. Juk sakoma, kad...
The context of a lie being revealed requires this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMelas trumpas ______ turi.
The proverb specifically refers to 'legs' (kojas).
Choose the standard Lithuanian proverb:
While others are grammatically possible, 'Melas trumpas kojas turi' is the fixed proverbial form.
A politician is caught taking a bribe after denying it for months. What do you say?
This proverb is used when a lie is exposed.
A: Kodėl tu man melavai? B: Aš bijojau... A: Matai, dabar visi žino tiesą. Juk sakoma, kad...
The context of a lie being revealed requires this proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, though often ironically or when discussing public scandals on social media.
Yes, that is a very common and acceptable variation.
No, because 'trumpas' describes 'kojas' (legs), which is already plural.
It can be seen as very confrontational. Use it only if you are prepared for a serious discussion about honesty.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Tiesa visada nugali' (Truth always wins) is the positive counterpart.
Expressions liées
Teisybė akis drasko
similarThe truth hurts (literally: the truth scratches the eyes).
Meluoti kaip iš rašto
specialized formTo lie fluently/convincingly (literally: to lie as if reading from a script).
Sąžinė graužia
builds onConscience is gnawing (feeling guilty).
Išlindo yla iš maišo
synonymThe secret is out (literally: the awl came out of the bag).
