If it sounds too good...

Posted by Baceseras on May 07, 2008 at 15:25

In Reply to: If it sounds too good... posted by ESC on May 06, 2008 at 21:38:

: : What is the origin of the phrase, 'If it sounds too good to be true it probably is'?

: I found the origin of a similar phrase.

: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE -- "...This cautious view is undoubtedly even older than its first expression in English, in the sixteenth century. Nevertheless, it has been repeated in the same form ever since, with only slight variations as Mark Twain's, "It's too good for true, honey, it's too good for true" (Huckleberry Finn, 1884)..." From "Facts on File Dictionary of Cliches," second edition, edited by Christine Ammer, Checkmark Books, New York, 2006. Page 446

We have discussed this before; see www.phrases.org.uk bulletin_board 53 messages 796.html.

  • If it sounds too good... ESC 07/May/08