Tru·ism – a statement that is obviously true but says nothing new or interesting. Synonyms for the term include platitude, cliché, banality. This post exists because I’ve thought up several lately, (guess how they occured): “You can hold a book in your hand but only read if your eyes are open.” “You can place a packet of vegetable seeds on garden soil but seeds only grow if they’re planted.”
A large number of truisms come from the Bible, Shakespeare, or politicians. Many are so well-known, people think they’re from the Bible when they are not. Common examples are, “You get what you pay for;” “Look before you leap”, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
This website provides 1001 truisms in alphabetical order. Find your favorites there. http://www.freewebs.com/1001truisms/truisms.htm
I’m not enclosing all in quote marks, but some easily recognized are: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man dies but one. A fool and his money are soon parted. A house divided against itself cannot stand. A job worth doing is worth doing well. Cross that bridge when you come to it. Dead men tell no tales. Birds of a feather flock together. Blood’s thicker than water. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All’s fair in love and war. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. An army marches on its stomach. Beauty and brains don’t mix. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is only skin deep. Beggars can’t be choosers. Better late than never. Better safe than sorry. Charity begins at home. Cheaters never prosper. Children should be seen and not heard. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Don’t make a federal case out of it. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
The number is almost endless, and they do sum up obvious truth. Listen for them today. Tell us your all-time favorite, or, invent and share your own.
Leave a Reply