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The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.
Tom Waits
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Appearances can be deceiving; what seems beneficial may have hidden drawbacks.

This quote emphasizes the dual nature of information presented to us, suggesting that while large and appealing terms may attract attention and promise benefits, the finer details often reveal limitations or downsides. It serves as a caution to examine not just what is prominently displayed but also to dig deeper into the smaller intricacies that might affect our understanding.

Themes

WisdomInformationDetailsDeceptionCaution

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about contract agreements to highlight the importance of reading the fine print.

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