There's one (a sucker) born every minute

Definitions

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

• express disbelief or cynicism
  Express skepticism or doubt about a statement or situation, implying that someone is being easily fooled or deceived

Examples of There's one (a sucker) born every minute

• The used car salesman persuaded John to buy the faulty car, thinking he had struck gold. Little did John know that he had fallen prey to the age-old adage, "There's one (a sucker) born every minute."

  This idiom emphasizes the fact that there will always be people who willingly partake in questionable or otherwise foolish decisions, providing opportunities for others to take advantage of them. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the 19th century, when American showman P.T. Barnum famously said that a crowd would always consist of "rubes" or "suckers" who were easy to dupe. The statement has since become a widely recognized expression for denoting someone who is gullible or naive. John's situation highlights how the idiom holds true even in contemporary times, where people still fall prey to deception and trickery.

• The infomercial company claimed that their product could cure any illness and improve your life. It seemed too good to be true, but countless people still fell for their scam, proving that there's one (a sucker) born every minute.

  This idiom is used to describe the quantity of people who easily fall for exaggerated or false claims. It suggests that it's easy to manipulate people into believing something that's not entirely true. It's a cautionary statement that highlights the need for critical thinking and skepticism when approaching new ideas or products.

Conclusion

The idiom "There's one (a sucker) born every minute" can be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or to express disbelief or cynicism about a statement or situation. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to convey the idea that people can be easily fooled or deceived.

Origin of "There's one (a sucker) born every minute"

The origin of the idiom "There's one (a sucker) born every minute" is often attributed to the American showman P.T. Barnum, although there is some debate about whether he actually said it. The phrase reflects the idea that there are always gullible or easily deceived people in the world, and that someone is always ready to take advantage of them. It is a commentary on human nature and the tendency for some individuals to be easily swayed or misled. The idiom has become a popular way to express skepticism or disbelief, particularly in situations where someone is being taken advantage of or misled. Its origins in the world of entertainment and showmanship have made it a widely recognized and frequently used phrase in English.