"La verdad adelgaza y no quiebra, y siempre anda sobre la mentira como el aceite sobre el agua."
/lah vehr-DAHD ah-del-GAH-thah ee noh KYEH-brah, ee SYEHM-preh AHN-dah SOH-breh lah mehn-TEE-rah KOH-moh el ah-THEY-teh SOH-breh el AH-gwah/
Truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always rises above falsehood like oil on water.
💡 Understanding the Quote
"La verdad adelgaza y no quiebra, y siempre anda sobre la mentira como el aceite sobre el agua."
🎨 Visual Representation
Cervantes's famous metaphor illustrates how truth will always rise above falsehood.
🔑 Key Words
📖 Context
From Part II, Chapter X of 'El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha' by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1615.
📝 In Action
No te preocupes por los rumores, al final 'la verdad adelgaza y no quiebra'.
B2Don't worry about the rumors, in the end 'truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks'.
Es un principio en el que creo firmemente: la verdad siempre anda sobre la mentira como el aceite sobre el agua.
B2It's a principle I firmly believe in: truth always floats over lies like oil over water.
✍️ About the Author
📜 Historical Context
This quote comes from Part II of Don Quijote (1615), written by Cervantes during the Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro). This era was a peak of Spanish artistic and literary achievement. The novel itself is a complex exploration of reality, illusion, and human nature, and this quote reflects the deep-seated value placed on truth and honor in the period's moral landscape.
🌍 Cultural Significance
This is one of the most enduring proverbs from Don Quijote. It has entered the Spanish lexicon as a powerful expression of faith in the ultimate victory of truth. It's often used to encourage patience and integrity when faced with deceit, reflecting a cultural belief that what is true will eventually come to light.
📚 Literary Analysis
The quote uses a powerful and universally understood simile: 'como el aceite sobre el agua' (like oil over water). This physical image makes an abstract concept—the nature of truth—tangible and easy to grasp. The verb 'adelgaza' (thins) is a brilliant choice, suggesting that truth can be stretched or tested without being destroyed ('no quiebra' - it doesn't break).
⭐ Usage Tips
Encouraging Honesty and Patience
Use this quote to comfort someone who is a victim of lies or gossip, or to express your own conviction that the truth will prevail in a difficult situation. It's a formal and slightly philosophical way to say 'the truth will come out'.
Adding Literary Weight
Referencing this quote, especially if you mention Cervantes, shows a strong command of Spanish culture and literature. It adds depth and authority to a discussion about ethics or integrity.
🔗 Related Quotes
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: La verdad adelgaza y no quiebra, y siempre anda sobre la mentira como el aceite sobre el agua.
Question 1 of 2
Who is the author of this quote about truth and lies?
🏷️ Categories
Themes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a common proverb or is it specifically from Don Quijote?
While it functions like a proverb and has become part of the collective wisdom of the Spanish language, its origin is literary. It was created by Cervantes for his novel, but its popularity has made it as well-known as any traditional proverb.
What does 'adelgaza' mean here? It seems like a strange word to use for 'truth'.
'Adelgaza' literally means 'thins' or 'slims down'. In this context, it's a brilliant metaphor. It means that truth can be stretched, pressured, or made to seem weak, but it won't break its essential form. It's a more nuanced idea than simply saying 'truth is strong'.