A man that breaks his word bids others to be false to him.对人不守信,无异叫别人也对你不守信。
句中false的意思是“虚假”、“不守信用”,与to break one's word同义;to be false to somebody即“对某人不忠实”。这句说明了害人终害己的道理。
类似意思的谚语还有:
He that once deceives is ever suspected.
一次不忠,百次不用。
We should be as good as our words.
说一是一,说二是二。
A liar is not believed when he tells the truth.
说谎者即使说真话,别人也不会相信。
Lying is the first step to the gallows.
说谎是上断头台的第一步。
中国民间故事《狼来了》正好也是这个意思。
类似意思的谚语还可参阅:Though a lie be well dressed, it is ever overcome.