Intermediate Everyday life Idiom

В ногах правды нет

V nogah pravdy net

Word-for-word

"There is no truth in legs"

English equivalent

"Why don't you take a seat?"

What does it mean?

An invitation to sit down, implying that one shouldn't stand if they can rest.

Example in use

Russian

Садись, в ногах правды нет!

Translation

Sit down, why are you standing?

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When to use

Use this whenever you are hosting someone and they are standing for too long. It is a polite, idiomatic way to insist that your guest takes a seat.

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Origin & cultural note

This is a classic example of Russian hospitality. It’s a lighthearted, humorous way to insist on someone resting. It doesn't literally mean there is no "truth" in legs, but rather that standing offers no advantage over sitting.

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