proverb · Words worth keeping
He who covers up his mistakes intends to make some more.
He who covers up his mistakes intends to make some more.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Covering up mistakes is treated as an intention to repeat them. The saying links concealment with obstacles to correction.
What the words are saying
Intends makes a motive claim that concealment alone cannot establish. A useful interpretation can encourage honest reporting and learning while considering fear, context and fair treatment. Accountability should rest on evidence, and acknowledging an error does not require public humiliation or unsupported allegations.
Everyday example
A team makes it possible to report an error and address it instead of guessing future intent from an omission.
When to use it
Use it to discuss concealment and correction without presuming motives.
What it does not mean
No certain future mistake or intention to repeat wrongdoing is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 978; PDF page 136
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.