Meaning of the word "an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded" in English

What does "an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded

US /æn ɪkˈskjuːs ɪz wɜːrs ænd mɔːr ˈter.ə.bəl ðæn ə laɪ, fɔːr æn ɪkˈskjuːs ɪz ə laɪ ˈɡɑːr.dɪd/
UK /ən ɪkˈskjuːs ɪz wɜːs ənd mɔː ˈter.ə.bəl ðən ə laɪ, fɔːr ən ɪkˈskjuːs ɪz ə laɪ ˈɡɑː.dɪd/
"an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded" picture

Phrase

A proverb suggesting that making excuses is more deceitful than a simple lie because an excuse attempts to justify or hide the dishonesty.

Example:
He tried to justify his lateness with a complex story, but as they say, an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded.
Don't offer me justifications; an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded.