The Plain Unvarnished Facts: Stripping Down to the Truth 🌟
Ah, “the plain unvarnished facts”—a phrase that cuts right to the chase! Allegedly, this term came from a fable in which Truth and Falsehood took a dip in a pond. Falsehood, being the sneaky type, got out first and dressed in Truth’s garments. Truth, true to her nature, refused to wear Falsehood’s clothes and decided to go au naturel. This delightful image of truth in its birthday suit is quite compelling!
⚡ In Alfred Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King,” he poetically framed the sentiment:
“Mere white truth in simple nakedness.”
In the 1970s, journalists adored this phrase like donut boxes at a press conference, making it the darling of newsroom jargon. William Safire, the New York Times columnist and language maven, noted its widespread use, attesting to its survival in our lexicon.
Synonyms
- The naked truth
- Bare facts
- The unembellished truth
- Straightforward truth
Antonyms
- Fabrication
- Falsehood
- Embellished story
- Exaggeration
Humor-Filled Quotes
“The truth is like underwear; it needs to be covered up most of the time if you want to keep your friends.” - Unknown
- Cut to the chase: Get to the point without wasting time.
- Tell it like it is: Speak honestly, without sugar-coating.
- Nothing but the truth: Delivering facts without any embellishments.
- Books: “The Post-Truth Era” by Ralph Keyes – delves into the concept and history of post-truth in modern times.
- Movies: “All the President’s Men” – A classic film based on the Watergate scandal, highlighting the importance of unvarnished facts.
- Songs: “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus & Chaka Khan – A feel-good song asking for genuine news.
- Poetry: “Truth” by Geoffrey Chaucer – an ode to the unwavering nature of truth.
Quizzes to Flex Your Fact-Muscles 📝
### Which of these means the same as "the plain unvarnished facts"?
- [x] The naked truth
- [ ] Decorative deceptions
- [ ] Painting with lies
- [ ] Cloaked realities
> **Explanation:** "The naked truth" is a synonym for "the plain unvarnished facts" meaning an unembellished fact.
### What's the opposite of "the plain unvarnished facts"?
- [ ] Transparent narratives
- [ ] Crystal clear accounts
- [ ] Blunt honesty
- [x] Embellished stories
> **Explanation:** The opposite of an unvarnished fact is an embellished story, which includes added details that might stretch the truth.
### True or False: "Cut to the chase" is related to "the plain unvarnished facts"
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Cut to the chase" means getting straight to the point, bypassing unnecessary details, similar to delivering the plain unvarnished facts.
### Which literary figure used the expression related to "the plain unvarnished facts"?
- [ ] Shakespeare in "Othello"
- [x] Tennyson in "Idylls of the King"
- [ ] Hemingway in "The Old Man and the Sea"
- [ ] Orwell in "1984"
> **Explanation:** Alfred Tennyson used a similar phrase in "Idylls of the King": “Mere white truth in simple nakedness.”
### Which decade saw a resurgence in the use of "the plain unvarnished facts"?
- [ ] 1950s
- [ ] 1960s
- [x] 1970s
- [ ] 1980s
> **Explanation:** Journalists brought this phrase back to popularity in the 1970s, keeping its appeal alive.
### When someone asks for "the naked truth," what are they asking for?
- [x] The plain unvarnished facts
- [ ] A tale of romance
- [ ] A fictional story
- [ ] Random chatter
> **Explanation:** Asking for "the naked truth" is seeking the unvarnished facts, without any sugar-coating.
### "The simple truth" is an example of what?
- [x] An unembellished statement
- [ ] A complex theory
- [ ] An elaborate fabrication
- [ ] A whimsical fantasy
> **Explanation:** "The simple truth" is straightforward and unembellished, aligning with the concept of plain unvarnished facts.
### The phrase "tell me like it is" is another way of saying what?
- [ ] Lie to me softly
- [x] Give me the plain unvarnished facts
- [ ] Whisper sweet nothings
- [ ] Explore wild stories
> **Explanation:** "Tell me like it is" means to be honest and straightforward, just like delivering the plain unvarnished facts.
### An archaic phrase similar to "the plain unvarnished facts" is found in which Tennyson's work?
- [ ] "The Lady of Shalott"
- [ ] "Crossing the Bar"
- [x] "Idylls of the King"
- [ ] "Ulysses"
> **Explanation:** In Tennyson’s "Idylls of the King," the phrase “Mere white truth in simple nakedness” captures the essence of the plain unvarnished facts.
### Finish the phrase: "With no frills or..."
- [ ] Thrillers
- [x] Embellishments
- [ ] Intrigues
- [ ] Detours
> **Explanation:** The phrase means offering something straightforward and without any unnecessary additions - much like the plain unvarnished facts.
And there you have it! When you next seek the unembellished truth, you’ll know that stripping it bare is the most honest way to reveal its core.
Author: Vera Veritas
Publishing Date: 2023-10-02
”Truth is naked and defenseless and yet remains the most powerful of all warriors.” 🌟
