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in vino veritas

Say it: in VEE-noh VEH-rih-tass /ɪn ˌviːnəʊ ˈvɛrɪtæs/ · Latin phrase

What “in vino veritas” means

People reveal what they really think after drinking alcohol.

More precisely: People reveal their true feelings when they have been drinking.

Example: “In vino veritas: after two glasses he admitted he hated the new logo.”

When to use it

Use it as a knowing, often jokey comment when drinking loosens someone's tongue. It is a saying, not a guarantee.

Memory trick

Latin for “in wine there is truth”: wine loosens the hidden thought.

Similar words

drink loosens tongues, truth in wine

Where it comes from

Latin, 'in wine there is truth'.

Quick check

After some wine, your normally guarded friend finally admits who she has a crush on. Which saying fits?

saving face or in vino veritas?

Show the answer

in vino veritas

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