Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no fibs.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker suggests avoiding difficult questions to avoid lying. It is a pact to keep things simple and avoid conflict through silence.
- In plain terms
- If you don't ask, I won't have to lie.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoiding questions can prevent the need to lie.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is silence better than speaking?
- Is avoiding a question honest?
Another view
Avoiding questions often leads to mistrust rather than honesty.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
Travellers, George, must pay in all places: the only difference is, that in good inns, you pay dearly for your luxuries, and in bad inns you are fleeced and st…
Permalink to quote #78 Oh sir! I must not tell my age. They say women and music should never be dated.
Permalink to quote #80 They liked the book the better the more it made them cry.
Permalink to quote #77
Related quotes
It has always been my temptation to put myself in other people's shoes: even into a horse's shoes as he strains before the heavy dray; into a ballerina's point…
Diana CooperDiana Cooper quote #2 And talking...I'm not good with talking.
Jason CastroJason Castro quote #7 Excuse me, I have to go to the ladies room. Actually, I need to make a telephone call, I was just too embarrassed to say.
Dorothy ParkerDorothy Parker quote #30