Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup.

What it means

People do not always thank you for the truth. Say it anyway, but be ready to ride off when the room turns against you. Honesty has a cost, and the brave pay it with their bags packed.

The source

"Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup." This Turkish proverb is recorded in Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880). Translated by Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880.

"He that speaks the truth, has one leg in the stirrup."

Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880, Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880). 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 "Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup." mean?

People do not always thank you for the truth. Say it anyway, but be ready to ride off when the room turns against you. Honesty has a cost, and the brave pay it with their bags packed.

Who said "Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup."?

Turkish proverb. Source: Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880).

What is the original wording?

He that speaks the truth, has one leg in the stirrup (Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880). Translated by Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880.

Is "Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup." on a shirt?

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

"Tell the truth and keep one foot in the stirrup." (Turkish proverb, Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880), trans. Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/tell-the-truth-and-keep-one-foot-in