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It’s best to keep yer troubles pretty much to yerself, ‘cause half the people yu’d tell ‘em to won’t give a dang, and the other half will be glad to hear yu’ve got ‘em.

It’s best to keep yer troubles pretty much to yerself, ‘cause half the people yu’d tell ‘em to won’t give a dang, and the other half will be glad to hear yu’ve got ‘em.
Traditional

Historical period not yet established

Meaning in plain English

The saying advises keeping troubles private because others allegedly dismiss or enjoy them. It presents disclosure through a distrustful view of the audience.

What the words are saying

The two halves form a sweeping division rather than measured proportions. A critical interpretation can discuss choosing a trustworthy listener without endorsing isolation or blocking support and reporting. People’s responses vary, and seeking help does not itself invite blame or show poor judgment.

Everyday example

Someone seeks an appropriate supportive listener instead of assuming every audience is indifferent or hostile.

When to use it

Use it critically to examine audience choice with access to help retained.

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What it does not mean

No audience statistic or duty to keep distress and harm secret is established.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.

Attribution & collection notes
Author or tradition
Traditional
Attribution: traditional
Country attributed
Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.
Historical period
Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates.
Recorded source
Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)

Supplied reference B; unit 72; PDF page 15; collection label: Old American West

A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.

Culture
Old American West