What's a phrase you hear a lot, but disagree with?

SLVRDRGN@lemmy.world to Ask Lemmy@lemmy.world – 314 points –

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?

382

You are viewing a single comment
View all comments

"to be honest"

So, you've been dishonest until this point?

"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.

1 more...

That's why I prefer "to be frank" or "to be blunt." Same implication but without that possibility.

"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.

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

Stand-up meeting: "to be frank, Frank is starting his holiday in Frankfurt next week so.."

1 more...