no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney
Truth, lies & confusion · Filed under N
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney" is a phrase commonly used in American English. It conveys the idea that even if you examine or analyze something closely, it is still essentially false, deceptive, or without substance. The phrase "no matter how thin you slice it" is a metaphorical expression that suggests the act of scrutinizing or dividing something into smaller parts in order to understand it better.
The word "baloney" in this idiom is a colloquial term that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a variant of the word "bologna," which refers to a type of sausage. In the context of this idiom, "baloney" is used metaphorically to mean something that is untrue, deceptive, or lacks substance.
This idiom is often used in discussions or debates to emphasize that no matter how much someone tries to explain or justify a certain idea or situation, it still remains inherently flawed or false. It serves as a reminder that some things are inherently false or deceptive, no matter how they are presented or justified.
Similar to the phrases "same difference" and "all the same," this idiom highlights the underlying similarity or lack of distinction between different options or perspectives. Just as slicing a baloney into thin pieces does not change its nature or taste, the phrases "same difference" and "all the same" suggest that the differences between two options or perspectives are ultimately inconsequential.
The phrase "same difference" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the idea that despite perceived differences, the ultimate outcome or result is the same. It is often used in a sarcastic or humorous manner to point out the triviality of distinctions that are being made. In the context of the idiom "no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney," the phrase "same difference" further emphasizes the futility of trying to analyze or differentiate something that is fundamentally flawed or false.
Similarly, the phrase "all the same" is used to suggest that two or more things or situations are essentially equal or equivalent, despite superficial differences. It implies that no matter how much one may try to find distinctions or variations, the overall essence or outcome remains unchanged. When used in conjunction with the idiom "no matter how thin you slice it, it's still baloney," the phrase "all the same" reinforces the notion that no matter how closely one examines or dissects something, its inherent falseness or lack of substance remains constant.
It is important to note that these idiomatic expressions, including "same difference" and "all the same," are part of the rich tapestry of language and communication. They add depth, nuance, and versatility to our conversations and arguments. However, they also remind us to be critical thinkers and to question the validity and substance of the ideas and claims that we encounter.
Neighbouring idioms
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