Meaning
Lies are quickly discovered.
Cultural Background
Honesty is a core pillar of traditional Lithuanian upbringing. Children are taught this proverb as early as age 3 or 4. Journalists frequently use this proverb in headlines when investigating corruption, appealing to the public's sense of justice. In many folk tales, the devil (velnias) is a liar, but he is often depicted as having some physical deformity that gives him away, mirroring the 'short legs' of a lie. Lithuanian internet users use the hashtag #MelasTuriTrumpasKojas when debunking viral misinformation or fake profiles.
Use it for 'Gotcha' moments
It's perfect for that moment when someone's excuse falls apart in real-time.
Grammar Trap
Remember that 'kojas' is feminine. Don't use masculine endings for the adjective 'trumpas'.
Meaning
Lies are quickly discovered.
Use it for 'Gotcha' moments
It's perfect for that moment when someone's excuse falls apart in real-time.
Grammar Trap
Remember that 'kojas' is feminine. Don't use masculine endings for the adjective 'trumpas'.
Parental Wisdom
If you want to sound like a wise Lithuanian grandparent, this is the #1 phrase to master.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Melas turi _______ kojas.
The proverb specifically uses 'trumpas' (short) to describe the legs.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Melas turi trumpas kojas'?
A person is caught cheating on a test after saying they studied hard.
This is a perfect example of a lie being quickly discovered.
Match the Lithuanian words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the literal translations of the components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Jonas: 'Aš nesulaužiau vazos!' Mama: 'Bet aš mačiau tave. Žinok, Jonai, ...'
The mother is catching Jonas in a lie, so the proverb is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMelas turi _______ kojas.
The proverb specifically uses 'trumpas' (short) to describe the legs.
A person is caught cheating on a test after saying they studied hard.
This is a perfect example of a lie being quickly discovered.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the literal translations of the components of the proverb.
Jonas: 'Aš nesulaužiau vazos!' Mama: 'Bet aš mačiau tave. Žinok, Jonai, ...'
The mother is catching Jonas in a lie, so the proverb is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, though often ironically or when discussing celebrities and influencers on social media.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, it's too informal.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Tiesa visada laimi' (Truth always wins) is the positive counterpart.
It's a metaphor for speed and distance. A lie can't run fast or far before the truth catches it.
'Melas' is the subject (A lie has...). 'Melo' is the genitive (The lie's legs are...). Both are correct depending on the sentence structure.
Related Phrases
Su melu toli nenuvažiuosi
similarWith a lie, you won't travel far.
Tiesa akis bado
contrastThe truth pokes the eyes.
Melo kojos trumpos
variationThe lie's legs are short.
Sąžinė graužia
builds onConscience is gnawing.
