too good to be true: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘too good to be true’ mean?
The idiom "too good to be true" means that something appears to be extremely good or favorable, but it is unlikely to be real or genuine.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up to no good" means engaging in suspicious or dishonest activities.
The idiom "too good for this world" is used to describe someone who is exceptionally kind, pure-hearted, or virtuous, to the extent that their qualities and actions seem too extraordinary for the flawed or corrupt world they live in.
The idiom "too clever by half" means being excessively confident or overestimating one's own abilities, resulting in mistakes or unfavorable outcomes.
The idiom "too big for one's britches" means to be overly confident or arrogant, behaving as if one is more important or capable than they actually are.
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "so far so good" means that things are progressing well up until now or a certain point, but it does not guarantee future success or outcomes.
The idiom "ring true" means that something seems genuine or believable.
The idiom "one too many" means to have or consume more of something than is considered acceptable or appropriate.
Elusive Illusions
One of the most commonly used idioms in the English language is "too good to be true". This phrase suggests skepticism or doubt towards something that appears exceptionally appealing. It cautions against blind trust or naivety and encourages individuals to approach things with critical thinking. The idiom is often used in situations that seem too perfect or situations in which someone is overly optimistic.
The idiom "too good to be true" has been used in written English since at least the early 19th century, indicating its longevity and relevance. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is speculated that the phrase may have evolved from earlier sayings or proverbs with similar meanings. Regardless of its origin, the idiom's enduring usage demonstrates its significance among English speakers.
Idioms like "too good to be true" reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular culture or society. They reveal a universal tendency to approach exceptional circumstances with skepticism. This reflects the shared human experience of disappointment or disbelief when a seemingly perfect situation turns out to be unreal or unattainable.
There are several related idioms that are often used in conjunction with "too good to be true". One such idiom is "too good for this world". This expression is used to describe someone or something that is exceptionally kind, pure, or noble. It suggests that the person or thing is too good to exist in a flawed or imperfect world. While this idiom is related to "too good to be true", it emphasizes the inherent goodness or exceptional qualities of an individual or thing.
Another related idiom is "a cold day in July". This phrase is used to express extreme doubt or disbelief in the occurrence of a particular event. It implies that the event is so unlikely or impossible that it would only happen in the most extraordinary circumstances. When used in conjunction with "too good to be true", it further highlights the skepticism and doubt associated with something that appears overly favorable or optimistic.
The idiom "the moon on a stick" is also related to "too good to be true". It is used to describe something that is highly unrealistic or impossible to obtain. It suggests that the desired outcome or situation is so far-fetched that it is comparable to obtaining the moon on a stick. When used alongside "too good to be true", it emphasizes the unattainable nature of something that appears excessively perfect or favorable.
"that ever walked on two legs" is another related idiom to "too good to be true". It is used to describe someone who is exceptional or outstanding in some way. The phrase suggests that the person possesses qualities or abilities that surpass what is typically considered possible or realistic for a human being. When used together with "too good to be true", it adds to the overall notion of skepticism towards something that appears exceptionally desirable.
The final related idiom is "go too far". This expression is used to describe a situation where someone exceeds the limits of what is considered acceptable or reasonable. It suggests that the person has gone beyond what is expected or appropriate. When combined with "too good to be true", it emphasizes the idea that something that appears excessively perfect or desirable may actually be crossing the boundaries of reality or practicality.
Overall, the idiom "too good to be true" is a cautionary expression that reminds individuals to approach things with critical thinking and skepticism. It warns against blind trust or naivety and serves as a reminder that sometimes, things that appear too perfect are indeed too good to be true. The idiom's enduring usage reflects its significance and understanding among English speakers, and its related idioms further emphasize the skepticism and doubt associated with situations that seem excessively favorable or optimistic.
Example usage
Examples:
- When I saw the advertisement for a brand new car at half the price, I thought it was too good to be true.
- She couldn't believe her luck when she won the lottery on her first try; it felt like a dream come true, but also too good to be true.
- He was skeptical when he received an email promising him a million dollars if he simply provided his bank account information; it seemed too good to be true.
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. The idiom "too good to be true" is used to describe something that seems so amazing or perfect that it is difficult to believe it is real or genuine.
In the first example sentence, the idiom is used to express skepticism about the advertised offer for a car at an unusually low price. The speaker implies that the offer seems too perfect or incredible to be true.
In the second example sentence, the idiom is used to describe the speaker's mixed feelings about winning the lottery on her first attempt. While it feels like a dream come true, the speaker also recognizes that such luck is unlikely and questions if it is truly genuine.
In the third example sentence, the idiom is used to convey the speaker's doubt towards an email promising a large sum of money in exchange for personal information. The speaker finds the offer too perfect and suspicious, leading them to believe it is not true or trustworthy.
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