Never give a sucker an even break

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• take advantage of someone's gullibility
  Exploit someone's naivety or trust for personal gain

Examples of Never give a sucker an even break

• John always seemed to have bad luck in business. Every time he invested his money, he ended up losing it. One day, a friend introduced him to a promising investment opportunity. John was hesitant at first, but his friend convinced him that it was a sure thing. Unfortunately, the investment turned out to be a complete disaster, and John lost all of his money again. When John confronted his friend about the failed investment, his friend simply shrugged and said, "Well, you knew I wasn't gonna give you an even break, did ya?"

  The phrase "never give a sucker an even break" means to take advantage of someone who is naive or unsuspecting. In this example, John's friend knew that John was a "sucker" because he had poor luck in business in the past. The friend saw an opportunity to make money off of John's trusting nature and convinced him to invest in a losing proposition. By not giving John an even break, the friend was able to profit at John's expense. The phrase is derogatory and implies that the recipient is being treated unfairly.

• The salesman convinced Jane to invest in his startup, promising high returns. However, after a few months, it became clear that the company was struggling, and Jane stood to lose all her money. The salesman then offered her an even chance of getting her investment back, saying it was the least he could do. Jane, recognizing this as a trick, refused the offer, remembering the old saying "Never give a sucker an even break."

  The idiom "Never give a sucker an even break" refers to someone who is naive or easily taken advantage of. In this example, Jane initially fell for the salesman's promises, making her a sucker. The salesman tried to use the even chance offer to give Jane a falsely equal outcome, but she realized that it was just another attempt to cheat her. By refusing the offer, Jane demonstrated that she was no longer a sucker and would not tolerate being treated unfairly. The idiom serves as a warning to be wary of those who seek to take advantage of others and to avoid giving them any advantages, as this may lead to further exploitation.

Conclusion

The idiom "Never give a sucker an even break" is used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It is also used to convey the idea of taking advantage of someone's gullibility, by exploiting their naivety or trust for personal gain.

Origin of "Never give a sucker an even break"

The phrase "Never give a sucker an even break" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, in the context of gambling and con artistry. The term "sucker" is slang for a naive or gullible person, particularly one who is easily deceived or swindled. The phrase suggests that one should never offer a fair or equal opportunity to someone who is easily fooled, as it would be unwise to do so in a competitive or deceptive situation.

The idiom may have been popularized by American comedian W.C. Fields, who used it in his films and performances in the 1930s and 1940s. Fields was known for his sardonic humor and often portrayed characters who were skilled at outwitting others. The phrase encapsulates the idea of taking advantage of someone's vulnerability, and has since become a common expression in English to caution against being too trusting or easily manipulated.