tell it to the marines: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tell it to the marines’ mean?
The idiom "tell it to the marines" means don't expect me to believe a ridiculous story or lie. It implies that only someone naive or gullible, like a new recruit in the marines, would believe such a tale.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to tell the truth" means being honest and sincere in one's statement or confession.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a way to emphasize honesty in a statement, suggesting that the speaker is about to share their true thoughts or feelings on a matter. It signifies a candid and sincere expression.
The idiom "tell the truth" means to be honest and not lie or deceive. It is often used in the context of revealing or sharing accurate information or facts without any distortion.
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" means to angrily reject or dismiss someone or something, often with hostility or contempt.
The idiom "tell it to the judge" means to present your case or argument to the person in authority who has the power to make a decision or pass judgment on it.
The idiom "tell it to Sweeney" means to speak to someone who is uninterested or unsympathetic about one's problems or complaints.
"Tell it like it is" means to speak honestly and bluntly, without sugarcoating or hiding the truth.
The idiom "tell it like it is" is a prevalent and widely used phrase in American English. It carries a straightforward and direct connotation, implying honesty and frankness in communication. The roots of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century, with its usage evolving over time to its current form.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
Deciphering the Marine's Sceptical Ears
The idiom "tell it to the Marines" originated in the 18th century and is still in use today. It means to express doubt or disbelief in someone's story or statement. The phrase suggests that the person being spoken to is gullible or naive, and that they would be the only ones who would believe the story. The idiom has its roots in the British Royal Marines, known for their toughness and skepticism.
One theory about the origin of the phrase is that it comes from an old maritime joke. Sailors would often tell tall tales or unlikely stories to each other, and when confronted with skepticism from their shipmates, they would respond with, "Tell it to the Marines!" This response implies that the Marines, being on land and not experienced in seafaring, would be the most likely to believe the story.
Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated during the American Revolution. British Marines were stationed in the American colonies during this time and were known for their tough and skeptical nature. American soldiers who encountered the Marines may have used the phrase as a way to express doubt or disbelief in their statements.
The idiom has been used in various forms over the years. For example, it has been said as "Tell it to the Marines, the sailors will not believe it," "Tell it to the Marines, the Marines won't believe it either," and "Tell it to the Marines, they'll believe anything." The phrase has also been used in titles of books and songs, as well as featured in films and television shows.
The idiom "tell it to the Marines" is closely related to several other idioms. One such idiom is "tell tales," which means to reveal secrets or confidential information. It is often used to describe someone who gossips or spreads rumors. While "tell it to the Marines" implies doubt or disbelief in a story, "tell tales" suggests a different kind of storytelling – that of revealing secrets or spreading rumors.
Another related idiom is "tell the truth." This idiom simply means to be honest or forthright. It is often used to emphasize the importance of being truthful in a particular situation. While "tell it to the Marines" questions the credibility of a story, "tell the truth" focuses on the importance of honesty.
Similar to "tell the truth," "to tell the truth" is another related idiom. It is often used as a way to preface a statement or confession that may be surprising or unexpected. Saying "to tell the truth" before revealing something suggests that the information being shared may not have been expected or easily believed. This phrase adds an element of candor or sincerity to what is being said.
"tell you the truth" is yet another related idiom. Like "to tell the truth," it is often used to preface a statement or confession. However, "tell you the truth" implies that the speaker may have been withholding information or that the statement is contrary to what the listener may have previously believed. It suggests that the following statement may be surprising or contrary to expectations.
The idiom "live to tell the tale" is another related phrase. It means to survive a dangerous or difficult situation and be able to recount the experience. This idiom emphasizes the idea of enduring through adversity and being able to share the story afterwards. While "tell it to the Marines" questions the credibility of a story, "live to tell the tale" implies that the speaker has firsthand experience and has overcome obstacles.
The idiom "tell it to the Marines" has its origins in the tough and skeptical nature of the British Royal Marines. It has been used since at least the 18th century to express doubt or disbelief in someone's story or statement. The phrase suggests that the person being spoken to is gullible or naive, and that they would be the only ones who would believe the story. While the exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, its usage reflects the enduring nature of skepticism and disbelief.
Example usage
Examples of the idiom "tell it to the marines":
- John said he saw a UFO last night, but I think he's just making it up. Tell it to the marines!
- Sarah claimed to have won the lottery, but she couldn't provide any proof. Tell it to the marines.
- Tom insisted he was innocent, even though there were witnesses who saw him commit the crime. Tell it to the marines!
The idiom "tell it to the marines" is used to express skepticism or disbelief in someone's statement or story. It implies that the person being spoken to is not gullible and will not easily believe something without evidence. In the examples given above, the idiom is used to dismiss someone's claims or request for belief when there is reason to doubt the veracity of their statement or story.
More "Skepticism" idioms
