proverb · Words worth keeping
Lies to be believed must be wrapped up in truths.
Lies to be believed must be wrapped up in truths.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Lies wrapped in truths describes a false claim presented alongside accurate information to gain credibility. The saying warns that a trustworthy part does not validate a whole.
Example
A reader checks the central claim instead of accepting it because several surrounding details are correct.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
This is an interpretive warning, not an instruction for deception or a rule that every mixed account is intentional lying. A useful application checks each relevant claim and its context. Accurate details, confident presentation and a familiar source cannot alone establish the disputed part.
When to use it
Use it to examine claims individually rather than devise deceptive presentation.
Keep in mind
No deception method or intent inferred from every mixed account is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Denmark
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Denmark