- English translation
Stick with the mistaken view until the truth becomes clear.
- Literal wording
Hold on to falsehood until the truth comes to you.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying addresses the interval before a sound answer is available. Although its opening wording can seem to endorse falsehood, it presents an erroneous position only as something temporary, not as a conviction to defend or a standard for judgment.
Its emphasis falls on readiness to revise oneself. When a truer understanding becomes available, clinging to the earlier error loses its point; the appropriate response is to let the mistaken position go.
- When it is used
Use it when discussing a temporary mistaken judgment made before the facts are clear, especially to stress that someone should not remain attached to that judgment once a sounder understanding is available. It does not endorse falsehood as a principle or a position to uphold.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Stick with the mistaken view until the truth becomes clear.