What does “A lie begets a lie.” mean?
"A lie begets a lie" means that when someone tells a lie, they often need to tell additional lies to cover up the original one.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Once you start lying, it becomes a vicious cycle. A lie begets a lie.
Example
He thought he could get away with one small lie, but soon realized that a lie begets a lie.
Example
She couldn't stop herself from telling more lies to protect the initial one. *A lie begets a lie.
Is “A lie begets a lie.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A lie begets a lie.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A lie begets a lie.” effectively in context?
You can use "A lie begets a lie" to convey the idea that when someone tells a lie, they often need to tell additional lies to cover up the original one. It emphasizes the idea that lying can lead to a cycle of deception and further dishonesty. For example, if a friend is considering telling a small lie to avoid getting in trouble, you might say, 'Be careful, because a lie begets a lie.'
- 1Relationships
To maintain trust in a relationship, it's important to be honest with each other. Remember, a lie begets a lie.
- 2Ethics
In business, it's crucial to uphold ethical standards. Remember, a lie begets a lie, and dishonesty can have serious consequences.
- 3Personal Integrity
To maintain your personal integrity, always strive to be truthful. Remember, a lie begets a lie.
Similar phrases to “A lie begets a lie.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A lie begets a lie.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A lie begets a lie" is unknown.
Is “A lie begets a lie.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A lie begets a lie" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful.
What tone does “A lie begets a lie.” have?
"A lie begets a lie" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It highlights the negative consequences of lying and encourages honesty and integrity.
Can “A lie begets a lie.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A lie begets a lie" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys a timeless moral lesson. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He realized that a lie begets a lie and decided to come clean.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a lie begets a lie"' to remind someone of the consequences of dishonesty.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- lies breed lies
- deception leads to more deception
- dishonesty spawns further dishonesty
- one lie leads to another
- falsehood begets falsehood
Antonyms
- honesty breaks the cycle
- truth dispels lies
- transparency prevents deception
- integrity stops the chain
