Meaning of the word "a fault once denied is twice committed" in English

What does "a fault once denied is twice committed" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

a fault once denied is twice committed

US /ə fɔlt wʌns dɪˈnaɪd ɪz twaɪs kəˈmɪtɪd/
UK /ə fɔlt wʌns dɪˈnaɪd ɪz twaɪs kəˈmɪtɪd/
"a fault once denied is twice committed" picture

Idiom

denying a mistake is a worse offense than the mistake itself because it adds dishonesty to the original error

Example:
You should just apologize for the error; remember that a fault once denied is twice committed.
He tried to hide his involvement, but a fault once denied is twice committed.