What does “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” mean?

"Not trust someone further than you can throw them" means to not trust someone at all.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After what he did, I don't trust him further than I can throw him.

Example

I've learned my lesson and now I don't trust anyone further than I can throw them.

Example

She's always been unreliable, so I don't trust her further than I can throw her

Is “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Not trust someone further than you can throw them” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” effectively in context?

You can use "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" to express a complete lack of trust in someone. It emphasizes the idea that you have very little confidence in their honesty or reliability. For example, if a friend asks if you trust a person who has repeatedly let you down, you might say, 'After what he did, I don't trust him further than I can throw him.'

1Friendship
I've learned my lesson and now I don't trust anyone further than I can throw them.
2Work
She's always been unreliable, so I don't trust her further than I can throw her.
3Relationships
After what he did, I don't trust him further than I can throw him.

Similar phrases to “Not trust someone further than you can throw them”:

Take someone with a grain of salt

To be skeptical or cautious about someone's claims or intentions

Example

I take everything he says with a grain of salt.

Keep someone at arm's length

To maintain a cautious or distant relationship with someone

Example

After what happened, I decided to keep him at arm's length.

Have reservations about someone

To have doubts or concerns about someone's trustworthiness

Example

I have reservations about trusting him again.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" is unknown.

Is “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more often used in informal settings or in situations where you want to emphasize your lack of trust in someone.

What tone does “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” have?

The phrase "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" conveys a tone of skepticism and caution. It suggests that you have serious doubts about someone's trustworthiness and are unwilling to rely on them.

Can “Not trust someone further than you can throw them” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may not be appropriate for formal or professional situations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "Not trust someone further than you can throw them" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After what he did, I don't trust him further than I can throw him.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I don't trust him further than I can throw him.' to imply a lack of trust.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

distrust completely
have no faith in
be suspicious of
be wary of
be skeptical of

Antonyms

trust completely
have faith in
believe in
rely on
count on