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grain of truth

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Definition


A small fact buried in a larger, exaggerated story or joke.

Context : Social Life
Category: Idiom
Semantic: truism, truth

Usage of “grain of truth”

  1. There is not a grain of truth to what he is saying.

  2. I don't believe the "grain of truth" theory applies to racial jokes.

Examples of idiom “grain of truth” from Twitter
  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'WendyClinch'
    WendyClinch:

    Agree completely here.RT @ficwriter: The best humor contains a grain of truth. #litchat

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'ficwriter'
    ficwriter:

    The best humor contains a grain of truth. It's what Mark Twain did so well. Also, David Sedaris, @JulieKlam, and every comedian. #litchat

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'skjensen'
    skjensen:

    Mara said he was joking. But, was there a grain of truth in it? Many of the coaches were golfing, and Sean Payton among those who were upset

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'ArrestRoveNow'
    ArrestRoveNow:

    Glenn Beck says (as he imposes his religion AGAIN) that the snake included a grain of truth...Kind of like Glenn Beck. Biff's role model?

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'FoxyFaisal'
    FoxyFaisal:

    I honestly don't believe in the whole "grain of truth behind EVERY joke" thing. Sometimes you joke just for the lulz.

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'naylicious'
    naylicious:

    Every joke holds a grain of truth.

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'nopavlina'
    nopavlina:

    But consider that if the above didn’t have a grain of truth to it, you wouldn’t have an emotional reaction at all.

  • Default avatar for Twitter user 'PublicolaCT'
    PublicolaCT:

    Russian News: “Nunes accused the [HealthCare] bill of continuing the failed Soviet experiment…there is a grain of truth in what he said.”