How early are you prepared to get up to be successful?
What is a truism? A truism is a statement that is obviously true and often repeated because it expresses a basic or self-evident truth. Truisms are sometimes used to state the obvious or to emphasize universally accepted ideas.
- You only live once – life is short, so make the most of it.
- Time will tell – the outcome will become clear over time.
- Everyone makes mistakes – nobody is perfect.
- You can’t please everyone – it’s impossible to satisfy everyone’s expectations.
- Practice makes perfect – repetition leads to improvement.
- What goes up must come down – everything that rises eventually falls.
- Money doesn’t grow on trees – money is limited and must be spent wisely.
What is a Truism? Exercises, Definition and Examples
Truisms are expressions that state an obvious truth, that are used to make a point or communicate wisdom. This article will explore the definition of truisms, examples, example use, and practical exercises to help you understand and apply them effectively.
A truism is a statement that gives wisdom in a form of an expression that is repeated used over time. As the person probably understands the truism they understand the point the person saying it is trying to make.
Dictionary Defintion
an undoubted or self-evident truth [1]
a statement that is so obviously true that it is almost not worth saying [2]
a self-evident, obvious truth [3]
2 -Difference Between Truisms and Other Expressions
While truisms are often confused with clichés and other expressions, they are used different. Here are summaries of other common expressions:
- Clichés are expressions that are not considered important as they have been overused.
- Proverbs convey a moral lesson.
- Idioms have a different meaning from their words.
Understanding these differences helps in using language more effectively.
Types of Truisms
There are expressions that can be considered truisms or used like a truism. These include:
- Cliches – A cliche is a statement that is said so often that it loses its meaning. Many truisms are also cliches.
- Platitudes – A platitude is a comforting statement that sounds falsely wise but is actually devoid of real meaning.
- Bromides – A bromide is a boring or obvious remark that does not help the reader or listener. Most truisms are also bromides.
- Aphorisms – An aphorism is a truthful statement that can be handed down through the generations. Some are also truisms, although some aphorisms have more meaning.
3 - How to Use Truisms
Truisms can be used in various ways:
- In conversations: To express common beliefs or provide comfort.
- In writing: To use common language the reader will understand or to summarize a complex idea.
- In speaking: To connect with an audience by sharing a truth.
4 - Examples of Truisms
Time heals all wounds
Definition: This truism suggests that emotional pain or grief lessens as time passes.
Example Sentences:
• “She was heartbroken last year, but time heals all wounds—she’s feeling much better now.”
• “You may not feel okay today, but time heals all wounds.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “I don’t think I’ll ever get over losing him.”
• Person 2: “It’s hard now, but time heals all wounds. You’ll feel stronger as time goes on.”
Explanation: This truism reminds us that no matter how painful something feels now, emotional recovery is possible with time. While physical wounds heal naturally, emotional ones also fade with distance and perspective. It’s often said to comfort someone going through a tough time and to encourage patience in the healing process.
The early bird catches the worm
Definition: Those who act or arrive early are more likely to succeed.
Example Sentences:
• “He got the best seats because he arrived before everyone else—the early bird catches the worm.”
• “She always gets the best deals during sales. The early bird catches the worm.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “Why are you getting up so early?”
• Person 2: “Because the early bird catches the worm! I want to be first in line.”
Explanation: This truism encourages taking initiative and acting early to gain an advantage. Just like a bird that wakes early and finds food first, people who prepare ahead or arrive early are often rewarded. It’s often used to promote planning, promptness, and effort.
Honesty is the best policy
Definition: Being truthful is the most beneficial and morally right approach.
Example Sentences:
• “Even though it was hard to admit the mistake, she knew honesty is the best policy.”
• “He always tells the truth, even when it’s difficult—honesty is the best policy.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “Should I lie to avoid getting into trouble?”
• Person 2: “I wouldn’t. Honesty is the best policy. You’ll feel better telling the truth.”
Explanation: This truism teaches that telling the truth leads to better outcomes in the long run. While lies may seem easier in the moment, honesty builds trust and avoids greater problems later. The word “policy” refers to a principle or rule you live by, suggesting that being honest should always guide your choices.
Practice makes perfect
Definition: Repeating a task often will help you become very good at it.
Example Sentences:
• “I couldn’t play the piano well at first, but practice makes perfect.”
• “She practices her speech every day—practice makes perfect.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “I keep messing up the dance routine.”
• Person 2: “Just keep trying. Practice makes perfect.”
Explanation: This truism tells us that consistent effort leads to improvement. It encourages people not to give up just because something is difficult at first. The phrase “makes perfect” means that you may eventually master the task through repetition and dedication.
Life isn't fair
Definition: Life often includes injustice or situations that feel unfair.
Example Sentences:
• “He worked so hard and still didn’t win. Life isn’t fair.”
• “She followed all the rules but still failed. Life isn’t fair sometimes.”
Example Conversation:
• Person 1: “Why didn’t she get the job? She was the best candidate.”
• Person 2: “I know, but life isn’t fair.”
Explanation: This truism is used to accept and explain the disappointments or inequalities people face. It reflects a reality that not everything goes as expected or deserved. It’s often said when things happen that seem undeserved, reminding us that we can’t always control the outcomes of life.
5 - Truism Examples
Personal Qualities: Insights into Human Behavior
Nobody’s Perfect
- Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes
- He always tries his best, but nobody’s perfect.
You Can’t Please Everyone
- It’s impossible to make everyone happy
- No matter how hard she tried, she realized she couldn’t please everyone.
What Goes Around Comes Around
- Good or bad actions will eventually come back to you
- After being cruel to others, she realized that what goes around comes around when she faced the same treatment.
Nobody’s perfect reminds us that everyone has flaws and they make mistakes. It’s a comforting idea, suggesting that it’s okay not to be perfect and be human, and we should accept ourselves and others as they are.
You can’t please everyone is a reminder that no matter how hard we try, we will never be able to satisfy everyone’s expectations. It highlights the importance of focusing on your own values and not stressing over others’ opinions.
What goes around comes around conveys the idea of karma. It suggests that the way we treat others will eventually reflect back on us, whether positively or negatively.
Wisdom Through Experience: Life Lessons
You Live and You Learn
- Every experience teaches you something
- After a difficult breakup, she realized that you live and you learn.
Experience is the Best Teacher
- Life lessons are learned best through personal experience
- She always says experience is the best teacher, having learned so much from her travels.
You Reap What You Sow
- The consequences of your actions reflect what you’ve put into them
- If you work hard, you’ll reap what you sow in success.
You live and you learn emphasizes that life’s lessons often come from making mistakes or facing challenges. These experiences contribute to personal growth and wisdom, showing that learning is ongoing.
Experience is the best teacher highlights the value of hands-on experience in learning. Unlike theoretical knowledge, real-life encounters teach us deeper, more lasting lessons.
You reap what you sow emphasizes that the effort you put into something determines the results. It’s a reminder that our actions, whether good or bad, will come back to us in some form.
Work Ethic: Success Through Effort
No Pain, No Gain
- Success requires hard work and sacrifice
- You won’t achieve your fitness goals without effort—no pain, no gain.
Hard Work Pays Off
- Effort and determination lead to success
- She stayed late at the office every night, and her hard work paid off with a promotion.
Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight
- Achieving success takes time and effort
- It’s important to be patient—success doesn’t happen overnight.
No pain, no gain is a reminder that without hard work, we cannot expect to achieve our goals. It reflects the idea that growth and progress often come with discomfort or sacrifice.
Hard work pays off emphasizes that persistent effort leads to success, no matter how difficult the journey. It encourages individuals to stay motivated, even in the face of setbacks.
Success doesn’t happen overnight teaches that achieving goals takes time. It’s a message about patience, persistence, and the importance of gradual progress toward your objectives.
Wisdom in Relationships: Advice for Interactions
Trust Takes Years to Build and Seconds to Break
- Trust is fragile and can be easily lost
- He betrayed her trust, and now she knows that trust takes years to build and seconds to break.
Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated
- Show kindness and respect to others, as you would want for yourself
- He always tried to treat others how he wanted to be treated, which earned him many friends.
Forgiveness is Easier Said Than Done
- Letting go of bad feelings is difficult
- Forgiveness is easier said than done, especially when you’ve been deeply hurt.
Trust takes years to build and seconds to break highlights the importance of nurturing relationships through consistent actions and the fragility of trust. Once broken, it can be incredibly difficult to rebuild.
Treat others how you want to be treated reflects the golden rule, advocating empathy and fairness in relationships. It’s a call to act with kindness and consideration toward others.
Forgiveness is easier said than done acknowledges the difficulty of forgiving others, especially when emotions are involved. It emphasizes that while forgiving might be the right choice, it’s often challenging to follow through.
Patience and Endurance: Timeless Advice
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
- Patience brings rewards
- He didn’t get the promotion immediately, but he believes that good things come to those who wait.
Patience is a Virtue
- Being patient is a valuable characteristic
- Even though it was frustrating, he reminded himself that patience is a virtue.
One Step at a Time
- Focus on progress, not the entire task
- The project seemed overwhelming, but she reminded herself to take it one step at a time.
Good things come to those who wait promotes the idea that patience leads to positive outcomes. It encourages people to trust that their efforts will be rewarded in due time.
Patience is a virtue underscores that waiting, enduring, or controlling impulses is a positive and important skill. It is valued in both personal growth and in handling difficult situations.
One step at a time emphasizes the importance of tackling challenges gradually rather than overwhelming oneself. It encourages focusing on small, manageable tasks that lead to larger success over time.
Challenges and Resilience: Facing Life’s Difficulties
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
- Strong people rise to the challenge in tough times
- When the company faced bankruptcy, the CEO showed that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger
- Hardship can lead to personal growth
- She came out of her struggle knowing that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Tough Times Don’t Last, But Tough People Do
- Difficult times pass, but strong individuals stay strong through hard times
- Though they faced many challenges, they stayed hopeful, knowing that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going suggests that adversity reveals a person’s true strength. It highlights resilience and the determination to keep pushing forward despite obstacles.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is often used to emphasize that hardships can be transformative. It implies that struggles build strength and character over time.
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do suggests that while difficulties are temporary, resilient individuals endure and eventually overcome them. It promotes hope and perseverance through difficult situations.
Learning and Growth: Understanding Knowledge
You Learn Something New Every Day
- Every day offers an opportunity to learn
- No matter how much you know, remember that you learn something new every day.
Learning Never Ends
- Gaining knowledge is a lifelong journey
- She was committed to improving, understanding that learning never ends.
Mistakes Are Part of Learning
- Errors are an inevitable and valuable part of growth
- She was not discouraged by her mistakes, knowing that mistakes are part of learning.
You learn something new every day reflects the idea that there are constant opportunities to grow and gain knowledge, even from the most ordinary situations. It reminds us to be open to learning at all times.
Learning never ends emphasizes the concept that education and personal development are continuous. It encourages an attitude of lifelong learning, where one never stops seeking knowledge or improvement.
Mistakes are part of learning teaches that failure is not something to fear but an essential component of growth. Mistakes provide valuable lessons, which help us refine our skills and understanding.
Wisdom About Wealth and Value
You Get What You Pay For
- The quality of a product or service corresponds to its price
- Don’t be surprised by the high cost of luxury items—remember, you get what you pay for.
There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
- Nothing is truly free; there’s always a cost
- He offered to help with the project, but she knew there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Money Can’t Buy Happiness
- Material wealth doesn’t guarantee emotional fulfillment
- He realized that while money brought comfort, it couldn’t buy happiness.
You get what you pay for suggests that the quality of goods and services is directly related to their cost. It serves as a reminder that cheaper options may come with compromises in quality, while higher prices often indicate better value.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch reinforces the idea that all things come with some form of cost. It reminds us that even when something appears to be free, there is usually a hidden price, whether it’s time, effort, or expectations.
Money can’t buy happiness highlights that wealth and material possessions cannot guarantee emotional well-being. True happiness is often found in relationships, experiences, and personal growth, rather than in material goods.
Nature and the World: Universal Truths
Change is the Only Constant
- Change is inevitable and ongoing
- Change is the only constant in life, and adapting to it is key to success.
What Goes Up Must Come Down
- Every rise is followed by a fall
- The stock market is volatile—what goes up must come down.
Change is the only constant reflects the inevitability of change in every aspect of life. It suggests that nothing stays the same forever, and the ability to adapt to changes is vital for growth and success.
What goes up must come down symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and events. It reminds us that periods of success or joy are often followed by challenges or difficulties, and we should be prepared for both.
6 - Truism Practice Exercises
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Match each truism to its correct meaning by writing the correct letter next to each number.
- Money doesn’t grow on trees
- What goes up must come down
- You can’t please everyone
- Practice makes perfect
- You are what you eat
- Honesty is the best policy
- Time flies when you’re having fun
Meanings:
A. People can’t be satisfied all the time
B. Eating well helps you stay healthy
C. Gravity pulls things back down
D. Enjoyable things feel short
E. Repeating something improves skill
F. Being truthful is the best approach
G. Money is limited and must be managed carefully
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
Use a truism from below to complete each sentence.
beauty is in the eye of the beholder, actions speak louder than words, better safe than sorry, nothing lasts forever, you reap what you sow, life isn’t fair, the truth hurts
- You shouldn’t ignore your mistakes—__________.
- I know you wanted the job, but remember, __________.
- He keeps promising to help, but __________.
- Everyone has different tastes; __________.
- I didn’t tell her to be mean, but __________.
- She prepared everything in advance—__________.
- Losing the toy made him cry, but we all learn that __________.
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
Use your own words to finish these truism-filled sentences in a way that makes sense.
- You can’t judge a person until __________
- Hard work always __________
- If you don’t take care of your health, __________
- No one gets everything __________
- What you give to others __________
- The best things in life __________
- You can’t turn back __________
Advanced Bonus Exercise
Read the sentences below. Identify the truism and explain its meaning in your own words.
- The road to success is never easy.
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- You can’t have everything you want.
- Love conquers all.
- Good things come to those who wait.
- Nobody’s perfect.
- All that glitters is not gold.
PART 2
In this section we have simple and advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
1 – “Honesty is the best policy” means:
A. Lying is useful in some situations
B. Always tell the truth
C. Be polite no matter what
D. Don’t tell secrets
2 – “Practice makes perfect” means:
A. Perfect people always practice
B. You’ll never fail again
C. Repeating something helps you get better
D. Try only once
3 – “What goes up must come down” means:
A. Gravity affects all things
B. Prices are always rising
C. Jumping is dangerous
D. Things stay up forever
4 – “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” means:
A. Some people have better eyesight
B. People see beauty differently
C. Beauty is only external
D. Beholders are judges
5 – “You reap what you sow” means:
A. Planting crops is important
B. You harvest your own food
C. Your actions have consequences
D. Farming is hard work
6 – “Nothing lasts forever” means:
A. Some things are permanent
B. All things eventually end
C. Old things are better
D. Memories are eternal
7 – “Life isn’t fair” means:
A. Everyone gets what they want
B. Life is full of justice
C. Not everything happens equally
D. Fairness is always expected
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
1 – “Good things come to those who wait” means:
A. Be patient and good things will happen
B. Waiting is boring
C. Things arrive quickly
D. Good things happen without effort
2 – “All that glitters is not gold” means:
A. Shiny things are valuable
B. Looks can be deceiving
C. Gold is everywhere
D. Glitter is fake
3 – “You can’t take it with you” means:
A. Travel light
B. Don’t be materialistic—wealth doesn’t follow you after death
C. Pack only what fits
D. Take what you need
4 – “Actions speak louder than words” means:
A. Be noisy
B. Do more, talk less
C. Speak louder to be heard
D. Use words carefully
5 – “The early bird catches the worm” means:
A. Birds are hungry in the morning
B. Waking up early gives you an advantage
C. Sleep less to win
D. Birds like worms
6 – “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” means:
A. All food is paid for
B. Everything has a cost, even if it seems free
C. Lunch is expensive
D. Free meals are common
7 – “No pain, no gain” means:
A. Exercise hurts
B. Suffering is important
C. Effort is required to improve
D. Don’t do anything painful
8 – “You can’t judge a book by its cover” means:
A. Books are tricky
B. Outer appearance doesn’t reveal the whole truth
C. All books are beautiful
D. Always read first
9 – “Too many cooks spoil the broth” means:
A. Groups are more efficient
B. Everyone should help
C. Too many people on a task can ruin it
D. Broth needs many ingredients
10 – “Better late than never” means:
A. Never be late
B. Arriving late is rude
C. Doing something late is still better than not doing it
D. Early is always best
7 - Truism Q & A
What is an example of a truism?
An example of a truism is the saying, “Life isn’t fair.” This statement reflects a universally accepted truth that applies to most people’s experiences. It emphasizes the idea that life can be unpredictable, often providing examples of inequality or imbalance.
What makes a truism valid?
A truism is valid because it expresses a general truth or principle that is widely accepted and supported by common experience. It is something that, when stated, feels inherently true to most people, and is often used in speech and literature to convey shared wisdom or simple truths.
Is a truism a fact?
While a truism may seem like a fact, it’s important to note that it is more of a general truth or principle, rather than something that can be empirically proven. Truisms express ideas that are widely accepted as true but aren’t always backed by specific evidence or data.
What is the difference between true and truism?
The difference lies in their usage. “True” refers to something that can be proven or confirmed, while a “truism” refers to a statement that is so universally accepted that it becomes repetitive or lacks originality. A truism might be true, but it is often considered cliché or trite because it doesn’t add anything new or interesting to a conversation.
Practice answers
Exercise 1
- G
- C
- A
- E
- B
- F
- D
Exercise 2
- the truth hurts
- life isn’t fair
- actions speak louder than words
- beauty is in the eye of the beholder
- you reap what you sow
- better safe than sorry
- nothing lasts forever
Exercise 3 (Sample completions)
- you’ve walked in their shoes
- pays off
- you’ll suffer later
- they want
- comes back to you
- are free
- time
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- The road to success is never easy – Achieving goals is difficult.
- If something seems too good to be true – It probably isn’t real.
- You can’t have everything – Life involves choices and limits.
- Love conquers all – Love overcomes obstacles.
- Good things come to those who wait – Patience brings rewards.
- Nobody’s perfect – Everyone makes mistakes.
- All that glitters is not gold – Looks can be deceptive.
Simple Answers
- B
- C
- A
- B
- C
- B
- C
Advanced Answers
- A
- B
- B
- B
- B
- B
- C
- B
- C
- C
Useful Information
Truisms are statements that express general truths, commonly accepted ideas, or universally acknowledged principles. They are often seen in speech and literature and can be used as rhetorical devices. Though truisms are widely accepted, they can lack originality and are sometimes seen as trite. For example, expressions like “What goes up must come down” or “You can’t please everyone” are truisms because they are widely understood and reflect simple, common-sense ideas.
While truisms are not technically facts, they reflect common experiences and perceptions. They are often used to emphasize a general truth, but their lack of novelty can make them seem overused or predictable. In literary contexts, authors sometimes use truisms to quickly convey familiar truths to the audience. For instance, a truism might be used to foreshadow a character’s experiences or to draw attention to universal themes, as seen in works from authors like Jonathan Swift in 1708.
In some cases, the use of truisms in literature and speech can be seen as a rhetorical device, a way to strengthen an argument or idea without needing extensive explanation. Despite their simplicity, truisms can serve a valuable purpose in communication, helping people connect through shared understanding.
Many truisms have existed for millennia and can be found in texts dating as early as the 6th century. They often reflect the wisdom of the age, such as “The best of times, the worst of times,” a famous line from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities that embodies the essence of historical truth.
In conclusion, truisms are an integral part of everyday language and literature, presenting ideas that are universally acknowledged. They serve as a shorthand to communicate familiar concepts and provide insights into human nature and the world. However, when overused, truisms can become clichés, losing their power to evoke fresh thoughts and reflections. It’s important to explore truisms critically to understand their value and limitations in both speech and literature
Understanding Truisms: Literary Contexts, Synonyms, and Usage
- Synonym: Truisms can sometimes be seen as synonyms for general truths or common wisdom.
- Cliché: When truisms are overused, they can become clichés, losing their original impact and creativity.
- Rhetorical: Truisms are often used as rhetorical devices in speech and literature to emphasize common truths.
- Trite: A truism can become trite if it lacks originality or is repeated too often.
- Common Truism: An expression like “What goes up must come down” is a common truism.
- Learn the Meaning of Truisms: Understanding truisms helps to appreciate their role in communication and storytelling.
- Problem with Truisms: The problem with truisms is that they can lack originality, making them predictable and sometimes boring.
- English Dictionary: The term “truism” is listed in the English Dictionary, where it is defined as a general truth or principle that is universally accepted.
- Collins English Dictionary: Collins English Dictionary defines truisms as statements that are so obvious they are often seen as redundant.
- Examples Do Not Represent: While truisms express widely accepted truths, examples do not always represent complex ideas fully and can oversimplify situations.
- Expressed in the Examples: Truisms, as expressed in the examples, are used to illustrate universally accepted principles.
- Usage of the Word: The usage of the word “truism” often relates to expressing ideas that are commonly known or accepted as self-evident.
- Foreshadow a Character’s Experiences: Authors sometimes use truisms to foreshadow a character’s experiences or outcomes in a story.
- Literary Device: In literature, a truism is sometimes used as a literary device to convey a universal truth without needing much explanation.
- Tautology: A truism may also be seen as a form of tautology, where the statement repeats itself without providing new information.
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions
