What does “Truth is stranger than fiction.” mean?
"Truth is stranger than fiction" means that reality can be more unusual or unexpected than anything we could imagine.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I couldn't believe it when I heard the news. Truth is stranger than fiction. It's like something out of a movie.
Example
You can't make this stuff up. Truth is stranger than fiction. The things that happen in real life are sometimes unbelievable.
Example
I thought the story was made up, but it turns out it was true. *Truth is stranger than fiction.
Is “Truth is stranger than fiction.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Truth is stranger than fiction.” 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 “Truth is stranger than fiction.” effectively in context?
You can use "Truth is stranger than fiction" to express the idea that reality can be more unusual or unexpected than anything we could imagine. It's often used when something surprising or unbelievable happens in real life. For example, if a friend tells you an incredible story, you might respond with, 'Wow, truth is stranger than fiction!'
- 1News
When the news broke about the celebrity scandal, everyone was shocked. Truth is stranger than fiction!
- 2Personal Anecdote
I met someone on a plane who turned out to be a long-lost relative. Truth is stranger than fiction!
- 3Conspiracy Theories
Some conspiracy theories are so outlandish that they make you think, Truth is stranger than fiction.
Similar phrases to “Truth is stranger than fiction.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Truth is stranger than fiction.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Truth is stranger than fiction" is unknown.
Is “Truth is stranger than fiction.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Truth is stranger than fiction" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to express their surprise or disbelief when something unexpected or unbelievable happens in real life.
What tone does “Truth is stranger than fiction.” have?
"Truth is stranger than fiction" conveys a tone of amazement and astonishment. It's used to emphasize the extraordinary nature of a situation or event.
Can “Truth is stranger than fiction.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Truth is stranger than fiction" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile proverb that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations, storytelling, or even in professional discussions to highlight the unpredictability of real-life events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I couldn't believe it when I heard the news. Truth is stranger than fiction.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Truth is stranger than fiction!' to express surprise or disbelief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- reality can be stranger than fiction
- real life is more surprising than fiction
- the truth can be more unbelievable than fiction
- facts can be more extraordinary than fiction
- real events can be more unexpected than anything we could imagine
