QuoteProject
He draweth out the thread of his verbosity finer than the staple of his argument.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote humorously suggests that someone's elaborate speech often lacks substantial content.

In this quote, William Shakespeare critiques individuals who speak at great length without saying anything meaningful. It highlights the tendency of some people to dress their arguments in excessive language, making them seem more important than they actually are, thereby emphasizing the importance of clarity and substance over mere verbosity.

Themes

VerbosityArgumentSpeechClaritySubstance

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about public speaking, one might mention Shakespeare's quote to illustrate the importance of clear communication.

More from William Shakespeare

As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
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Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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