意味
Untruths are easily exposed and do not last long.
文化的背景
In Brazil, this proverb is often used to criticize politicians during election cycles. It's a staple of political memes. Portuguese people value 'palavra de honra' (word of honor). This proverb is a stern reminder of that social contract. In Angolan oral tradition, proverbs are used to maintain community harmony. Lying is seen as a disruption that 'short legs' cannot sustain. The proverb exists in both Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), showing its deep integration into the culture.
Use it as a 'mic drop'
This phrase is most effective at the end of a story where someone was caught. It acts as a perfect summary.
Don't use for serious crimes
If someone committed a serious felony, this proverb sounds too lighthearted. Stick to formal language.
意味
Untruths are easily exposed and do not last long.
Use it as a 'mic drop'
This phrase is most effective at the end of a story where someone was caught. It acts as a perfect summary.
Don't use for serious crimes
If someone committed a serious felony, this proverb sounds too lighthearted. Stick to formal language.
The Plural Variant
If you want to sound more literary, use 'As mentiras têm pernas curtas.' It sounds more like a book quote.
自分をテスト
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
A mentira tem ______ ______.
The standard proverb uses 'perna' (leg) and 'curta' (short).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'A mentira tem perna curta'?
Situation: A student copies an essay from the internet, and the teacher finds the original website five minutes later.
This situation involves a lie being quickly discovered, which is exactly what the proverb means.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'O João disse que viajou para o Japão, mas eu o vi no supermercado ontem.' Speaker B: '___________'
Speaker B is acknowledging that João's lie was easily exposed.
🎉 スコア： /3
ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
3 問題A mentira tem ______ ______.
The standard proverb uses 'perna' (leg) and 'curta' (short).
Situation: A student copies an essay from the internet, and the teacher finds the original website five minutes later.
This situation involves a lie being quickly discovered, which is exactly what the proverb means.
Speaker A: 'O João disse que viajou para o Japão, mas eu o vi no supermercado ontem.' Speaker B: '___________'
Speaker B is acknowledging that João's lie was easily exposed.
🎉 スコア： /3
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it is equally common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
No. While 'pequena' also means small, the fixed idiom strictly uses 'curta' (short).
It can be. If you say it to someone's face, you are calling them a liar. Use it carefully.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'A verdade prevalece' (Truth prevails) is the positive counterpart.
Legs (pernas) are for running and distance; feet (pés) are just for standing. The metaphor is about the distance a lie can travel.
Only if the tone is informal or if you are quoting it to make a moral point. Generally, it's a bit too casual for formal corporate communication.
Yes, the definite article is part of the fixed structure of the proverb.
Not a direct one, but people might say 'A casa caiu' (The house fell down) to mean the lie was discovered.
Yes, many Samba and Pagode songs use this phrase to talk about unfaithful partners.
Yes, people often joke: 'A mentira tem perna curta, por isso eu uso salto alto' (Lies have short legs, that's why I wear high heels).
関連フレーズ
Cair em contradição
similarTo contradict oneself.
Pegar o mentiroso
builds onTo catch the liar.
Verdade nua e crua
contrastThe naked, harsh truth.
Nariz de Pinóquio
similarPinocchio's nose.
