honesty is the best policy
Lying backfires eventually
A proverb meaning that telling the truth, even when difficult, produces better outcomes than lying.
The saying acknowledges that honesty may not always be easiest but argues it's strategically wise: I could have made excuses, but honesty is the best policy.
Often used when confessing something or advising others to come clean.
- tell the truthCommunicate facts honestly
- eyesOrgans of sight
- trustConfidence in another
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- integrityMoral soundness and consistency
voice · virtue · handshake · confession · reliability · credibility · respect · morality · sincerity · harmony · authenticity · answer · foresight · clean conscience · reconciliation · heart · cooperation · good faith
- proverbsproverbs, sayings, maxims, adages, aphorisms
- moral sayingsdo unto others, golden rule, do the right thing, treat others fairly, love thy neighbor
- sayingssayings, saying, proverb, proverbs, adage
honesty is the best policythe end justifies the means
Morality judged by outcomes
nice guys finish last · look out for number one · win at all costs · every man for himself · dog eat dog
honesty is the best policyMachiavellianism
Cunning, amoral statecraft
realpolitik · moral relativism · situational ethics · noble lie · duplicity
honesty is the best policythe ends justify the means
Outcomes validate any methods
honesty, honest, honestly, dishonest, dishonesty, goodness, policy, policies, politic