Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered.

What it means

Power can hold the truth down for a time. It cannot kill it. Keep faith with what is true even when it is losing.

The source

"Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered." This German proverb is recorded in Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 290. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

"Wahrheit wird wol gedrückt, aber nicht erstickt."

Original German, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 290. Text read at zeno.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 "Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered." mean?

Power can hold the truth down for a time. It cannot kill it. Keep faith with what is true even when it is losing.

Who said "Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered."?

German proverb. Source: Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 290.

What is the original German?

Wahrheit wird wol gedrückt, aber nicht erstickt. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered." on a shirt?

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

"Truth can be pressed down, but not smothered." (German proverb, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 290, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/truth-can-be-pressed-down-but-not-smothered