They who don't intend to pay, Will promise payment any day.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

An assurance costs little when the speaker has no intention of fulfilling it. The promised-payment image asks whether words are backed by genuine commitment, without treating every delay or unfulfilled promise as deliberate deception.

What the words are saying

The person described can promise a payment date freely because, in the saying’s premise, they do not intend to pay. The warning concerns the difference between an assurance and the intention or action needed to honour it. Applied more broadly, a confident promise may provide reassurance without showing that the task has been planned or can be completed. The premise must not be assumed merely because a deadline was missed. Capacity, misunderstanding or changed circumstances can matter. A useful response checks the specific agreement and available evidence of follow-through, rather than either accepting a date as sufficient proof or assigning dishonest intent without support.

Everyday example

A repair technician repeatedly says a part will be available tomorrow; the customer asks whether its delivery has actually been confirmed before arranging another visit.

When to use it

Use it when an assurance needs evidence of a genuine, workable commitment.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.