“The hardest tumble a man can make is to fall over his own bluff”

Simplified Meaning:

When someone pretends to be something they're not or tells a lie to seem more impressive, they can end up facing big problems when the truth comes out. Imagine a person bragging about being a great swimmer. They keep showing off and making others believe they're amazing in the water. One day, they are asked to swim in a competition, but they actually can't swim well at all. When the truth is revealed during the race, they not only embarrass themselves but also lose the trust and respect of others. In real life, honesty is crucial. Building a reputation on lies or false acts can lead to a big downfall because maintaining that lie becomes impossible after a while. Just like the swimmer, anyone who overstates their abilities or lies about their achievements might eventually have to prove themselves. When they can't, they're left facing the consequences. It’s always better to be truthful about what you can and can't do, as it fosters genuine respect and trust from others.