Brevity is the Soul of Wit In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "Brevity is the Soul of Wit", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Lym Nguyen calendar 2022-07-21 05:07

Meaning of Brevity is the Soul of Wit

Brevity is the Soul of Wit proverb

If you want to tell a funny story, you should tell it as concisely as possible.

Maden always tries to be humorous by telling funny stories but no one is excited about his stories because they're too lengthy and rambling. He should know that brevity is the soul of wit.

A successful comedian is a person who knows brevity is the soul of wit.

Saying briefly is a feature of smart people. Saying too lengthily will lead to say stupid words.

His wife always controls his words every time they are in the crowd because he doesn't know brevity is the soul of wit.

Other phrases about:

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very fashionable 
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time's a-wastin'

Time is running out.

*checks notes*

A humorous or sarcastic phrase used to suggest that someone has to confirm what they are about to say in order to avoid making contradictory pieces of information ( commonly seen in tweets)

funny ha-ha or funny peculiar?

Used to ask whether the word "funny" is being used to mean "humorous" or "strange"

Grammar and Usage of Brevity is the Soul of Wit

This phrase is often given as advice or as a statement commending someone for an exceptionally witty statement.

Origin of Brevity is the Soul of Wit

Image Source: The Steak House Index

It is one of many phrases coined by William Shakespeare. It turns up in the second act in his play which is called Hamlet, where Polonius says, “Since brevity is the soul of wit / And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief…” Nevertheless,  some critics claimed that this phrase was already in use before William Shakespeare's play. But by using this proverb in his play, Shakespeare made it more popular. On the other hand, some critics disagreed with this argument.

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to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

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Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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