Confession of a fault makes half amends for it.

Meaning: Admitting wrongdoing demonstrates genuine remorse and restores trust faster than pretending innocence or silence.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Perseverance

• People are sometimes better contented full than fasting. — Satisfied material needs reduce complaints and restlessness more effectively than idealis…
• Counsel is never out of date. — Wise advice remains relevant across times because human nature and its fundamental challe…
• Three may keep counsel, if two be away. — Secrets survive only when fewer mouths know them; a third person inevitably spreads what…
• In every country the sun riseth in the morning. — Universal natural laws operate identically everywhere, making local customs and beliefs l…
• You must go into the country to hear what news at London. — Traveling away from centers of power reveals truths that official channels deliberately c…
• A friend at court is better than a penny in the purse. — Social connections with influential people create more opportunities than monetary saving…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…