<p>A friend and I are disputing the meaning of a proverb that one of us intends to use in an application essay. Would anyone on this forum help us to resolve this disagreement? The proverb in question is: “If you speak the truth, have a foot in the stirrup.”
Also, it may help to know that this proverb is Turkish.
So, what do all of you interpret this to mean?</p>
<p>stirrup: a loop, ring, or other contrivance of metal, wood, leather, etc., suspended from the saddle of a horse to support the rider’s foot.</p>
<p>It means: If you are speaking the truth, be prepared to defend it/ back it up.
(practice what you preach)</p>
<p>For example, don’t be a Buddhist merely in words, If you claIm to be a Buddhist, you have to be living a Buddhist life as well.</p>
<p>The reason the proverb equates riding a horse with practicing what you’re preaching is because preaching is easy; talking is easy; we all know what is right, but we don’t always follow through with it in life because the “practice” part is hard. There is even fear about changing our like/ practicing the highest ideals that our minds can create. “what if I fail”</p>
<p>Similarly, riding a horse is the same way… it’s work… and we might fall off.</p>
<p>I believe it means that if you speak the truth then be prepared to run for the hills!!
Hence, your foot is in the stirrup so you can ride away for your life.
History shows that powerful people (priests, kings, etc.) kill the great men and women of TRUTH!
Think about it…</p>
<p>@joshmnelm why would you revive a 6 year old (!!!) post for something like that?! these users have not posted on here in 3-5 years. Please think before you act.</p>
<p>You need to have some power in order to freely speak your mind, or else you’ll be figuratively bucked off the horse. If you’re in a position of power, with a foot in the stirrup, then you have a better chance of holding your own. </p>
<p>Did it really anger you that much? Good thing i have my foot in the stirrup. Lol
May peace be with you.</p>