💔 As Trustworthy as a Cockroach: Exploring Unreliable Clichés 🪳
Introduction
Welcome, fellow word lover, to a treacherous journey through the language of betrayal and unreliability. Today we look at Extreme Unreliability. According to linguistic whiz Eric Partridge, our phrase of the day has been crawling around since about 1870. Modern as it seems, it still scuttles across conversational floors with surprising agility.
You guessed it—I’m talking about " He (or she) is extremely unreliable and untrustworthy."
Related Expressions and Idioms
- A snake in the grass: Someone who is treacherous.
- Backstabber: A person who secretly betrays someone.
- Not worth his salt: Untrustworthy or not useful.
Synonyms
- Unreliable
- Untrustworthy
- Undependable
- Duplicitous
Antonyms
- Reliable
- Trustworthy
- Dependable
- Honest
Humor-Filled Quotes and References
- “You know someone is unreliable when they promise to meet you in the past.” – Every Time Traveler Ever
- “Being as reliable as a noon shadow on a cloudy day.” – Anonymous
Inspirational and Thought-Provoking
Trust is like a paper—once it’s crumpled, it can never be perfect again. But ah, the language that emerges from these crinkles!
Suggested Literature and Media
- Books: “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare (featuring many unreliable characters), “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn.
- Movies: “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999), “Catch Me If You Can” (2002)
- Songs: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, “I Can’t Trust Myself” by John Mayer
- Poetry: “Betrayal” by Patricia L. Cisco
Quizzes: Test Your Wits!
Farewell Thoughts
As you wander through the alleys of words and expressions, remember that trust takes years to build, but can crumble in a moment—sometimes quite poetically. Keep your ears open for the slippery language of betrayal, and learn how to steer clearer waters.
E. L. Loosewords October 2023
