Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid exaggerating or lying in familiar company, especially if they know the truth.
This quote by Mark Twain humorously suggests that one should be cautious about sharing tall tales or embellishing stories in the presence of those who are well-acquainted with the subject matter. The humor lies in the idea that if you attempt to spin a yarn about something that people know intimately, your credibility will be easily undermined.
Themes
StorytellingTruthExaggerationFamiliarityHumor
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote during a storytelling workshop to emphasize the importance of honesty.
More from Mark Twain
All quotes βThe easy part of being an artist is figuring out the message that everyone else is ready to hear. The hard part is waiting for the proper lull to make the announcement.
Mark TwainRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
Mark TwainRead
Name the greatest of all inventors. Accident.
Mark TwainRead
In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
Mark TwainRead
Similar quotes
There are so many funny women in the world, and there has been for so many years, so I'll be happy when people can just move on from that, and things can just be 'comedies' and not 'female' or 'male,' and everyone gets an equal opportunity.
Kristen WiigRead
KILT, n. A costume sometimes worn by Scotchmen in America and Americans in Scotland.
Ambrose BierceRead
I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed.
George CarlinRead
Some people try to get out of jury duty by lying. You don't have to lie. Tell the judge the truth. Tell him you'd make a terrific juror because you can spot guilty people.
George CarlinRead
Some people have a love of their fellow man in their hearts, and others require a light anesthetic.
Garrison KeillorRead
I like to do all the talking myself. It saves time, and prevents arguments.
Oscar WildeRead