Almost and about are not lying.
Almost and about are not lying.
Meaning in plain English
Almost and about distinguished from lying allow language to express an approximation rather than an exact amount. The saying recognises qualified accuracy.
Example
Someone labels an estimate as approximate and checks a precise figure when the decision requires it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A useful reading asks whether the uncertainty is honestly communicated and suitable for the purpose. Approximate words cannot excuse a knowingly misleading claim or replace precision where it matters. The sentence is not a rule that every statement containing such words is truthful.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish honest approximation from misleading uncertainty.
Keep in mind
No automatic truthfulness from approximate wording is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
France · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 776; PDF page 70; collection label: France
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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