Signification
Lies are eventually discovered quickly.
Contexte culturel
In Lithuanian schools, this is one of the first proverbs children learn. It is often used in 'Moral Education' (Dorinis ugdymas) classes to discuss ethics. The personification of 'Melas' (Lie) as a character with physical defects is common in Latvian folklore as well ('Melu kājas ir īsas'), showing a shared Baltic worldview. In the era of 'fake news,' this proverb has seen a resurgence in Lithuanian social media as a way to debunk misinformation quickly. During the Soviet occupation, this proverb was sometimes used subtly in literature to hint that the official propaganda (the 'big lie') would eventually fail.
Use it as a punchline
This phrase works best at the very end of a story after a lie has been revealed. It acts as a satisfying moral conclusion.
Don't change the case
Always keep 'melo' in the genitive. Saying 'melas trumpos kojos' sounds like a robot translating from English.
Signification
Lies are eventually discovered quickly.
Use it as a punchline
This phrase works best at the very end of a story after a lie has been revealed. It acts as a satisfying moral conclusion.
Don't change the case
Always keep 'melo' in the genitive. Saying 'melas trumpos kojos' sounds like a robot translating from English.
Sarcastic usage
You can use it sarcastically when someone tells an obvious lie that they expect you to believe. Just roll your eyes and say, 'Nu jo, melo trumpos kojos...'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Melo ______ kojos.
The proverb is 'Melo trumpos kojos' (Lies have short legs).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Melo trumpos kojos'?
Select the correct scenario:
The proverb is used when a lie is easily and quickly discovered.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Jis sakė, kad neturi pinigų, bet ką tik nusipirko naują mašiną! B: Na, žinai, kaip sakoma: _______.
The context of a lie being exposed requires 'Melo trumpos kojos.'
Choose the grammatically correct form of the proverb.
Which one is correct?
The proverb requires the genitive 'melo' and the nominative plural 'trumpos kojos.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMelo ______ kojos.
The proverb is 'Melo trumpos kojos' (Lies have short legs).
Select the correct scenario:
The proverb is used when a lie is easily and quickly discovered.
A: Jis sakė, kad neturi pinigų, bet ką tik nusipirko naują mašiną! B: Na, žinai, kaip sakoma: _______.
The context of a lie being exposed requires 'Melo trumpos kojos.'
Which one is correct?
The proverb requires the genitive 'melo' and the nominative plural 'trumpos kojos.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, absolutely! While it's an old proverb, it's so deeply embedded in the culture that Gen Z Lithuanians use it in texts and memes.
Only if the atmosphere is somewhat casual or if you are discussing a clear case of deception. In a very formal negotiation, it might be too informal.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Tiesa visada laimi' (Truth always wins) is the positive counterpart.
In Lithuanian, proverbs often use the genitive to indicate that the following qualities (short legs) belong to the concept (the lie).
It usually implies a relatively short timeframe—anywhere from a few seconds to a few days. It's not used for lies that take years to uncover.
No, that would be a joke or a play on words. It's not a standard expression.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship. Otherwise, it might sound like you are lecturing them.
Often people will wag their index finger slightly or shrug their shoulders when saying it.
It is equally common in both. You'll see it in news headlines and hear it in kitchen conversations.
Yes, it's actually very common for small, harmless lies that are easily caught.
Expressions liées
Meluoti kaip iš rašto
similarTo lie very fluently/convincingly.
Tiesa akis bado
contrastThe truth hurts/is obvious.
Su melu toli nenueisi
builds onYou won't get far with a lie.
Vieno melo kaina
similarThe price of one lie.
