One that comes to mind for me: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is not always true. Maybe even only half the time! Are there any phrases you tend to hear and shake your head at?

  • core@lemmy.world
    173·
    2 months ago

    “to be honest”

    So, you’ve been dishonest until this point?

    • Lvxferre@mander.xyz
      42·
      2 months ago

      “To be honest” is mostly used in two situations:

      • to warn the listener that they might not like what they’re going to hear; e.g. “to be honest your lasagna is a bit too salty”
      • to highlight an apparent contradiction; e.g. “I like lasagna, but to be honest I’d rather eat pierogi today.”

      It should almost never be interpreted literally.

    • BigPotato@lemmy.world
      13·
      2 months ago

      That’s why I prefer “to be frank” or “to be blunt.” Same implication but without that possibility.

      • ByteOnBikes@slrpnk.net
        6·
        2 months ago

        “to be frank” or “to be blunt”

        Oh so you’re such a dishonest person you’ll change your name to Frank or Blunt midway? Unbelievable.

        • BigPotato@lemmy.world
          1·
          2 months ago

          You never watched Everybody Loves Raymond? Frank told the truth about… Most things at least. I just channel that.

      • netvor@lemmy.world
        12·
        2 months ago

        Stand-up meeting: “to be frank, Frank is starting his holiday in Frankfurt next week so…”