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Quote: It pays to be obvious...



 
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Phrase: Carbon footprint due to travel | What does the 'boxing day' mean?
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Quote: It pays to be obvious... #1 (permalink) Wed Jun 07, 2006 22:52 pm   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

Dear all ( In particular, Amy Very Happy )

How in the world could you know I was writing my next quote? Shocked

Now you have made me conscious, Amy, because you know well about my poor comprehension skills...but, anyway, I will have a whack at the following one. Please simplify it for me.

(Source: Reader's Digest, April 1990)

Quote:
" It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety."


I think it is a play with words...I can discuss the first part a bit.

"If one is easily seen or understood or is the cynosure of people's eyes, one is going to pay an exorbitant price for it..."

I think my interpretation is far more difficult than the quote itself Shocked

Thanks a lot

Tom
Tom
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Quote: It pays to be obvious... #2 (permalink) Thu Jun 08, 2006 14:35 pm   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

Amy

You did not like my attempt!? Shocked

Tom
Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
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Quote: It pays to be obvious... #3 (permalink) Thu Jun 08, 2006 15:01 pm   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

Hi Tom

To be honest, no, I don't much like this one. I'm not really sure either.

It pays to be obvious means it's worthwhile or advantageous to be obvious

Maybe if you're known for being subtle, people will take much more notice when you're obvious?

Do you happen to know who said it?

By the way, why haven't you given us any feedback about the "Queen of the Night" flower? Was it one of the ones I found in the Google links? Why don't you tell us more about it?

Amy
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Quote: It pays to be obvious... #4 (permalink) Thu Jun 08, 2006 15:27 pm   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

Thank you a lot, Amy

P.D. James, the writer of mystery novels, said this sentence.

Yes, it was exactly the same plant/ flower you sent in the picture. The name was Cestrum nocturnum
. By the way, do you have it in Europe?
It really makes your garden fragrant at night.

Thanks again

Tom
Tom
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Joined: 30 May 2006
Posts: 2061

Quote: It pays to be obvious... #5 (permalink) Fri Aug 22, 2008 0:33 am   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

The quotation seems to be quite widely attributed to Asimov; but no context seems to be available anywhere.

I wonder whether it implies that people will take your unsubtle comments for subtleties, if you have a reputation for the latter; and that this will be to your advantage.

Cf. W.S. Gilbert: "'Tis ever thus with simple folk – an accepted wit has but to say Pass the mustard, and they roar their ribs out."

MrP
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Quote: It pays to be obvious... #6 (permalink) Sun Dec 28, 2008 8:54 am   Quote: It pays to be obvious...
 

The quote is rightfully attributed to Asimov, as it is said by Hobor Mallow in the Foundation series.

The implication is that it is advantageous to be obvious when people expect you to be subtle. They will not notice or incorrectly interpret a seemingly obvious action because they expect a master of subtlety to be well, subtle.
Koeus
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