Phrase origins?

Posted by Henry on August 19, 2004

In Reply to: Phrase origins? posted by simon on August 19, 2004

: "Not everything in life is black and white"
: Can anyone help with the origins and meaning of this phrase, I Interoperate it to mean - don't belive everthing you read?
: 19/08/04

Black and white are regarded as opposites with nothing in common. I think the phrase means that it's not always easy to classify people or objects. There are pros and cons in most cases. Even the best behaved people will have some bad habits. Nuclear power may threaten the environment by producing radioactive waste but it doesn't contribute to global warming by producing carbon dioxide. Even an unattractive politician may support one cause that you are sympathetic to.

• Phrase origins? ESC 19/August/04
  • Phrase origins? Lewis 19/August/04