This is a 'refrán', a proverb from Spain's rich oral tradition. Like many such sayings, its exact origin is lost to time, but it represents centuries of accumulated folk wisdom. These proverbs were a primary way of transmitting moral and practical knowledge before widespread literacy.

This proverb is a cornerstone of moral education in the Spanish-speaking world. It's one of the first sayings children learn, used by parents and teachers to instill the value of honesty. It reflects a cultural belief that, ultimately, truth prevails.

The power of this proverb lies in its use of personification. It gives an abstract concept, 'la mentira' (the lie), a physical body with a comical and debilitating flaw: short legs. This creates a simple, memorable, and slightly humorous image that makes the abstract moral lesson concrete and easy to understand.