Sometimes, measuring trust can be a heavy lift. How far would you go?
Idiom Definition:
trust someone as far as one could throw him, not to/I wouldn’t - This phrase suggests a deep degree of mistrust. Originating around 1870, it humorously implies that one wouldn’t physically be able to throw the person, much like one figuratively can’t trust them due to their “weighty” untrustworthiness.
Related Terms and Synonyms:
- 🦊 Foxy as a fox in a henhouse: Clever but deceitful.
- 🐍 Snake in the grass: Someone who betrays trust covertly.
- 👶 Don’t trust him with your baby: Some things are too precious to risk.
Antonyms:
- 👍 Trustworthy as a saint: Completely reliable.
- 💎 As good as gold: Extremely well-behaved or trustworthy.
- 💌 Straight arrow: Honest to a fault.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “I wouldn’t trust him to walk my dog around the block without a GPS tracker!” - Unknown
- “He’s got shifty eyes… It’s like he’s plotting to steal the sky.” – Imaginary Skeptic
Related Proverbs:
- Once bitten, twice shy: After one bad experience, you’ll be more cautious in the future.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Diversify your trust; don’t invest it all in one person.
References in Literature and Media:
- Literature: In Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series, Sherlock himself often embodies distrustful wariness, underlining the illusory nature of appearances.
- Books: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice explores themes of first impressions and misplaced trust.
- Songs: Elvis Presley’s “Suspicious Minds” reveals the tension created by distrust.
- Movies: The Departed masterfully shows how trust works when everyone might be playing for the other side.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Trust is a building; it takes years to construct but can collapse in a single moment. Choose your architects wisely.”
### Which idiom signifies extreme distrust?
- [x] I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him
- [ ] Safe as houses
- [ ] In the pink of condition
- [ ] March to the beat of a different drummer
> **Explanation:** "I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him" means extreme distrust. The others imply safety, good health, or unique individuality.
### What does "snake in the grass" imply?
- [ ] Honesty
- [x] Betrayal
- [ ] Reliability
- [ ] Carelessness
> **Explanation:** A "snake in the grass" suggests betrayal, sneaky and undetected.
### True or False: 'Once bitten, twice shy' means to be cautious after a bad experience.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! If you've been hurt once, you'll be careful afterward.
Dom