PhrasesHub

Lies, damned lies and statistics

    Definitions

      • discredit the use of statistics
        Express skepticism or disbelief in the accuracy or truthfulness of statistics, usually to argue that they can be manipulated or misrepresented to support a false or misleading conclusion

      • emphasize the untrustworthiness of statistics
        Highlight the idea that statistics can be used to deceive or mislead, often to manipulate public opinion or justify questionable actions

    Examples of Lies, damned lies and statistics

    • The CEO claimed that the company's profits had increased by 50% last year, but many skeptics considered it to be nothing more than lies, damned lies, and cleverly manipulated statistics.

      The idiom "Lies, damned lies, and statistics" is used to suggest that certain statistics can be deliberately manipulated to mislead people, as in this example. The CEO's statement about the 50% increase in profits is cast in doubt by those who question its accuracy and attribute it to creative accounting, distorted data, or other forms of deceit.

    • In her latest press release, the politician touted a new poll that showed her leading the race by a wide margin, but some observers felt that the poll was little more than lies, damned lies, and an attempt to sway public opinion.

      Here, the idiom is used to suggest that a politically motivated poll might be less than truthful in its findings. The politician's claims of a large lead in the polls might be seen as exaggerated or misleading, based on the suspicion that the poll's sponsors have a vested interest in the outcome.

    • The company's financial statements showed a large profit margin, but some analysts argued that they were nothing more than lies, damned lies, and a cover-up for hidden losses.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom to suggest that financial data might be deliberately distorted or concealed to present a more favorable picture than is accurate. The analysts' suspicion that hidden losses exist, despite the apparent profitability, underscores the notion that statistics can be manipulated to mislead.

    • The CEO presented a PowerPoint presentation to the board of directors, filled with charts and graphs that showed the company's stock price rising steadily over the past year. Some board members, however, expressed doubts, saying that the figures were little more than lies, damned lies, and creative visualization.

      Here, the idiom is used to skewer the idea that statistics can be presented in such a way as to create a false impression of reality. The board members' skepticism in the face of seemingly impeccable data reinforces the notion that statistics can be manipulated to suit a particular agenda or perspective.

    • The government claims that the economy is booming, but many experts argue that these statistics are merely lies, damned lies.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a sentence that presents a disagreement about the truthfulness of statistical data. The phrase "lies, damned lies and statistics" is used to suggest that official statistics, like lies, can be manipulated or presented in misleading ways to suit a particular agenda. Here, the speaker is implying that the government's claims about the economy may not be entirely trustworthy, as others have labeled the official statistics as false or deceptive.

    • The company's sales figures for the quarter are impressive, but some observers have accused them of cooking the books and using creative accounting to inflate the statistics.

      This example shows how the idiom can be applied to question the authenticity of specific numerical data. The phrase "lies, damned lies and statistics" is utilized to suggest that the company's sales figures may not be entirely accurate or genuine, as others have leveled accusations that they are falsified or inflated through unscrupulous bookkeeping practices.

    • The opposition's accusations that the President is lying about the war effort are nothing but political posturing, and any statistics they cite should be taken with a grain of salt.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used figuratively to cast doubt on the credibility of statistical evidence in a political context. The phrase "lies, damned lies and statistics" is employed to imply that the opposition's claims and figures about the President's military strategy may be politically motivated and lacking in substance. The speaker is essentially implying that the figures presented by the opposition should be viewed with skepticism, as they possibly have ulterior motives for doing so.

    • The university's graduation rate has risen substantially in recent years, but skeptics point out that these statistics only reflect students who have graduated within six years of enrollment and do not take into account attrition during that period.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to challenge the genuine nature of statistical data, particularly in academic contexts. The phrase "lies, damned lies and statistics" is employed to suggest that the university's graduation rate figures may be misleading or misused because they do not capture the full scope of student dropouts, transfers, and failures over a six-year period. The speaker is thus implying that the university's graduation figures may not be entirely reliable or trustworthy.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "lies, damned lies and statistics" is commonly used to express doubt about the accuracy and reliability of statistics. It is often employed to caution against accepting statistics at face value, as they can be manipulated to support a particular agenda or narrative. The idiom serves as a reminder to critically evaluate statistical information and consider the potential for bias or misrepresentation.

    Origin of "Lies, damned lies and statistics"

    The phrase "lies, damned lies and statistics" is attributed to the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, although its exact origin is not definitively known. Disraeli is believed to have popularized the expression, which highlights the potential for deception and manipulation through the use of statistics. The idiom suggests that statistics can be used to distort the truth and mislead individuals or the public, emphasizing the need for skepticism and critical thinking when interpreting statistical data. The phrase has since become a well-known and widely used idiom, serving as a cautionary reminder about the potential pitfalls of relying solely on statistics to form opinions or make decisions.