¿Qué significa el dicho mexicano, 'mete el hilo para sacar aguja' ?(en inglés, también?)

Question

I was told it has something to do with being dishonest. I think it is something like "Contrary to popular belief".

Answer 1

I have heard "meter aguja para sacar hilo" o "meter hilo para sacar hebra".

It means to start a conversation and hold it/twist it in some way to indirectly get information on a related topic.

Answer 2

You say a little lie to get a big truth