✂️ Not to Put Too Fine a Point On It 🎩
Definition:
Not to put too fine a point on it: To speak bluntly. Comparison to a cutting tool, often favored by Charles Dickens.
Usage Example:
“Not to put too fine a point on it, but your dancing looks like a squirrel on espresso.”
Origins and Historical Notes:
This charming analogy was particularly favored by Charles Dickens, who relished in its picturesque precision. Dickens often employed and defined it, for instance, in his novel “Bleak House” (1852): “Not to put too fine a point upon it—a favourite apology for plain-speaking with Mr. Snagsby.”
Current Relevance:
It seems to be slipping into obsolescence in Britain and has more or less vanished in that quirky, delightful land called America.
Related Terms and Synonyms:
- To be frank.
- Let’s cut to the chase.
- To speak one’s mind.
- To be direct.
- No beating around the bush.
- Getting to the heart of the matter.
Antonyms:
- Sugarcoat.
- Dance around the issue.
- Beat around the bush.
- Circumlocute.
- Diplomacy (when overdone).
Connected Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Honesty is the best policy but sometimes it’s rude.” - Greg Tamblyn
- “Speak the truth, but leave immediately after.” - Slovenian Proverb
- “In vino veritas.” - “In wine, there is truth.” (Latin Proverb)
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Not to put too fine a point on it, but calling you clumsy would be an understatement.”
- “Not to put too fine a point on it, you couldn’t hit the side of a barn with a beach ball.”
Recommended Reading and Entertainment:
- Books: “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens (for historical reference), “Straight-Talk: Bringing Clarity to Conversations” by François Williams (a refreshing modern take).
- Movies: “The Invention of Lying” (2009) – Explores the concept of unadulterated honesty with uproarious consequences.
- Poetry: “Tell All the Truth but Tell it Slant” by Emily Dickinson – The exact opposite of putting an unrefined point.
- Songs: “Honesty” by Billy Joel – Not literally about “not to put too fine a point on it,” but embodies the spirit of forthrightness.
Inspirational Closing Thought: In a world bent on politeness, sometimes the sharp blade of plain honesty is needed to cut through the fluff. Channel your inner Dickens and sprinkle a smidgen of blunt truth — but try not to trip on it.
Published by: Literary Licenses Ltd. Author: Clara Klarity Date: 2023-10-02
