Truth gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech.

What it means

Honest answers are usually brief. When someone needs a long story, be suspicious. Keep your own answers short and true.

The source

"Truth gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech." This German proverb is recorded in Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 219. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

"Wahrheit gibt kurzen Bescheid, Lüge macht viel Redens."

Original German, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 219. 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 gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech." mean?

Honest answers are usually brief. When someone needs a long story, be suspicious. Keep your own answers short and true.

Who said "Truth gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech."?

German proverb. Source: Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 219.

What is the original German?

Wahrheit gibt kurzen Bescheid, Lüge macht viel Redens. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Truth gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech." on a shirt?

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

"Truth gives a short answer. Lies make a long speech." (German proverb, Wander, Deutsches Sprichwörter-Lexikon (1867-80), “Wahrheit” 219, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/truth-gives-a-short-answer-lies-make-a