Meaning
Lies don't last long and are eventually exposed.
Cultural Background
Egyptians often use the variation 'El-kidb malosh reglein' (Lies have no feet). It's used very humorously in Egyptian cinema to mock a clumsy liar. In the Gulf, the phrase is often used in a more serious, moralistic tone, emphasizing the loss of 'Wajh' (face/honor). In Lebanon and Syria, the phrase is common in political discourse to criticize government promises. In Morocco and Algeria, the phrase is used but often accompanied by local proverbs about the 'Niya' (intention).
Use it for emphasis
Adding 'حقاً' (really) at the end makes it sound more natural when a lie is exposed.
Gender matching
Remember 'Habl' is masculine. Don't say 'qasira'!
Meaning
Lies don't last long and are eventually exposed.
Use it for emphasis
Adding 'حقاً' (really) at the end makes it sound more natural when a lie is exposed.
Gender matching
Remember 'Habl' is masculine. Don't say 'qasira'!
Dialect variation
In Egypt, drop the 'dh' sound and say 'el-kidb' with a 'd' sound.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
حبل الكذب _______.
The proverb is 'Habl al-kadhib qasir' (The rope of lies is short).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a social context?
صديقك يكذب عليك دائماً، ماذا تقول له؟
This correctly uses the idiom as a warning/admonition.
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning in the idiom.
Match the following:
These are the three core components of the phrase.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
أحمد: 'لقد سرقوا مالي وهربوا!' خالد: 'لا تقلق، الشرطة ستجدهم، فـ _________.'
The context of a crime being solved fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Variations
Practice Bank
4 exercisesحبل الكذب _______.
The proverb is 'Habl al-kadhib qasir' (The rope of lies is short).
صديقك يكذب عليك دائماً، ماذا تقول له؟
This correctly uses the idiom as a warning/admonition.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three core components of the phrase.
أحمد: 'لقد سرقوا مالي وهربوا!' خالد: 'لا تقلق، الشرطة ستجدهم، فـ _________.'
The context of a crime being solved fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it aligns with Islamic values, it is a secular linguistic proverb used by everyone.
It's a bit heavy for a small joke; it's better for actual deception.
The opposite is 'Al-sidq munjat' (Truth is salvation).
Say 'El-kidb malosh reglein'.
Because a rope is a tool to reach a goal; a short one fails to reach the goal.
It is neutral. You can use it in a newspaper or with a friend.
Yes, but it can figuratively mean a bond or a lifeline.
People will understand you, but it's not a standard proverb.
Yes, it is one of the most universally understood Arabic proverbs.
It is A2 because the vocabulary is simple but the meaning is idiomatic.
Related Phrases
الصدق منجاة
contrastTruth is salvation.
الكذب ملوش رجلين
synonymLies have no feet.
كذبة بيضاء
specialized formA white lie.
حبل الله
builds onThe rope of God.
