PhrasesHub

The camera cannot lie

    Definitions

      • express skepticism
        Express doubt or disbelief about the accuracy or truthfulness of a situation or information

      • emphasize reliability
        Highlight the trustworthiness and accuracy of a visual representation, especially a photograph or video

    Examples of The camera cannot lie

    • In the courtroom, the judge requested that the surveillance footage be played to provide clear evidence against the accused. The video showed a close-up shot of the defendant stealing the item in question, leaving no room for dispute.

      The "The camera cannot lie" idiom means that photographs and videos are objective and truthful, as they provide an accurate representation of what happened. In this context, the judge used the footage as a reliable source of proof to strengthen the prosecution's case.

    • When the reporter presented the photograph of the cheque, the politician could not deny or dispute its authenticity. The camera had already proven that the funds had been transferred.

      Here, the idiom highlights that pictures and videos cannot be altered or manipulated like words or memories, providing undisputed evidence to support claims.

    • The owner of the beauty salon uploaded a video of the hair stylist cutting off a chunk of hair from the client's head, unleashing her fury on social media. She couldn't believe how poorly the service was executed.

      This example shows how the idiom "'The camera doesn't lie'" conveys the idea that recorded evidence cannot be denied or disputed. It also implies that the quality of service or product cannot be concealed through manipulation.

    • While walking through the empty streets at night, the man's intuition compelled him to avoid a suspicious figure loitering around the corner. He sensed that the camera's gaze couldn't follow him around to ensure his safety.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used metaphorically to convey a deeper meaning. Here, the camera's inability to accompany the speaker around the corner represents the inherent limitations of technology and the human need for instincts and intuition.

    • The security footage clearly shows the thief entering the store at 11:30 pm and stealing the cash register.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom "The camera cannot lie" to emphasize the trustworthiness and accuracy of the video footage captured by security cameras. Here, "cannot" is used in the negative form to convey the inability of the camera to produce false or misleading images. The idiom highlights the reliability of the footage as evidence in criminal investigations, where the information provided by the camera cannot be disputed or questioned.

    • Despite her protests of innocence, the CCTV footage depicts her leaving the scene of the crime.

      In this example, the idiom is being used as a way to reinforce the conviction that the accused is indeed guilty. It implies that footage from the CCTV cameras will not contradict the evidence that has been gathered, making it harder for the accused to deny their involvement in the crime.

    • The news report featured chilling images of the tsunami that devastated the coastline, captured by a surveillance camera at a nearby hotel.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a different context, illustrating the unfiltered, real-time images that were captured by the camera in circumstances that were beyond human control. The footage took on a new dimension of importance, providing a crucial opportunity to document the events and to share the news with a global audience.

    • In order to prove his innocence, the suspect demanded that the surveillance footage be reviewed in court.

      In this final example, the idiom is being used in a way that highlights the persuasive power of the video evidence. The fact that the footage is being presented as evidence in a legal setting adds weight to the authenticity of the images. The use of the idiom "- cannot lie" helps to reinforce the idea that the video footage, just like the photographic images that the idiom is more commonly associated with, has the ability to provide an accurate and uncontested representation of the events that took place, and as such, cannot be swayed or contradicted by other forms of evidence.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "The camera cannot lie" can be used to express doubt about the truthfulness of a situation or to emphasize the reliability of visual representations. In both cases, it refers to the idea that photographs or videos are objective and truthful, and therefore cannot deceive or mislead.

    Origin of "The camera cannot lie"

    The origin of the idiom "The camera cannot lie" can be traced back to the invention of photography in the 19th century. The phrase reflects the belief that photographs are accurate and unbiased records of reality, as they capture a moment in time without the influence of human interpretation or manipulation. This concept was revolutionary at the time, as it provided a new way to document and preserve events and people, free from the biases and subjectivity of traditional artistic representations.

    Over time, the phrase has become a common expression to convey the idea of the inherent truthfulness of visual media, particularly in contrast to verbal or written accounts which may be biased or unreliable. It is often used in discussions about the credibility of images and videos in the age of digital manipulation and fake news, highlighting the enduring belief in the trustworthiness of photographic evidence.