A lie's boat sinks in midstream.

What it means

A lie can get you off the bank, but it will not carry you across. Halfway through, when you most need it to hold, it gives way. Build on the truth if you want to reach the other side.

The source

"A lie's boat sinks in midstream." This Hindi proverb is recorded in Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Jhūṭh. Translated by Fallon, 1886.

"Falsehood’s boat sinks in midstream."

Fallon, 1886, Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Jhūṭh. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "A lie's boat sinks in midstream." mean?

A lie can get you off the bank, but it will not carry you across. Halfway through, when you most need it to hold, it gives way. Build on the truth if you want to reach the other side.

Who said "A lie's boat sinks in midstream."?

Hindi proverb. Source: Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Jhūṭh.

What is the original wording?

Falsehood’s boat sinks in midstream (Fallon, 1886). Translated by Fallon, 1886.

Is "A lie's boat sinks in midstream." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A lie's boat sinks in midstream." (Hindi proverb, Fallon, A Dictionary of Hindustani Proverbs (1886), s.v. Jhūṭh, trans. Fallon, 1886). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-lies-boat-sinks-in-midstream