A1 Proverb Neutral

Το ψέμα έχει κοντά ποδάρια

A lie has short legs

Significado

Lies will be discovered soon.

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Contexto cultural

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.

Significado

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.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.

Το ψέμα έχει κοντά _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ποδάρια

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.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: True

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 ________________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: το ψέμα έχει κοντά ποδάρια

Person B is warning Person A that their lie will be found out.

Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.

Match the following:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: all

This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb. Fill Blank A1

Το ψέμα έχει κοντά _______.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: ποδάρια

The traditional form of the proverb uses 'ποδάρια'.

Which situation best fits the proverb 'Το ψέμα έχει κοντά ποδάρια'? Choose A1

A person is caught cheating on a test they said they studied for.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: True

The proverb is used when a lie is discovered.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

Α: Είπα στην μαμά ότι έπλυνα τα πιάτα, αλλά δεν το έκανα. Β: Πρόσεχε, γιατί ________________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: το ψέμα έχει κοντά ποδάρια

Person B is warning Person A that their lie will be found out.

Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning. Match A1

Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: all

This breaks down the literal components of the phrase.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

3 preguntas

Not 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.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Καθαρός ουρανός αστραπές δεν φοβάται

contrast

A clear sky is not afraid of lightning.

🔗

Η αλήθεια λάμπει

similar

The truth shines.

🔗

Μια του κλέφτη, δυο του κλέφτη...

builds on

The thief gets caught eventually.

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