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?

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"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.

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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.."

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