proverb · Words worth keeping
The faulty stands on his guard.
The faulty stands on his guard.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Someone who knows they are at fault may become watchful or defensive. The proverb describes one possible reaction, but guarded behaviour alone cannot establish wrongdoing or reveal why a person is uncomfortable.
Example
A contributor who already knows they omitted a required credit hesitates when the editor asks about the credits page, and the editor checks the page rather than treating hesitation as proof.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The faulty person in the proverb anticipates that a weakness or misdeed may be noticed and therefore stands ready to protect themselves. Figuratively, awareness of an unresolved fault can shape how someone responds to questions. This can help explain a defensive response when the fault is already known through other evidence. It is a poor method of discovering guilt from behaviour alone. Anxiety, unfamiliar surroundings or a previous unfair accusation can also make someone guarded. A useful reading keeps the direction of the claim clear: a known fault may produce defensiveness, but defensiveness does not prove a fault. Questions should still concern the actual issue.
When to use it
Use it to describe defensiveness around an independently established mistake or unresolved fault.
Keep in mind
Do not infer guilt from guarded behaviour; ask about the issue and assess relevant evidence.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their 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
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English