expression
lying is the first step to stealing; show me a liar, and I will show you a thief
A proverb warning that habitual lying can lead to more serious wrongdoing like theft. Often used to admonish children or to comment on moral decline.
「嘘つきは泥棒の始まり」と言うから、小さい嘘でもつかないようにしなさい。
They say 'lying is the first step to stealing,' so don't tell even small lies.
彼はよく嘘をつくけど、嘘つきは泥棒の始まりって本当だと思うよ。
He often lies, and I think the saying 'lying leads to stealing' is true.
A proverb meaning 'lying can be a means to an end,' suggesting that lying is sometimes acceptable, in contrast to the absolute condemnation of lying in 嘘つきは泥棒の始まり.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common moral teaching that dishonesty in small matters can escalate to serious crimes.