PhrasesHub

Twelve good men and true

    Definitions

      • reliability and trustworthiness
        To refer to a group of people who are dependable and honest, often used in legal or serious contexts

      • jury
        To refer to a jury in a legal trial, emphasizing the importance of their integrity and impartiality

    Examples of Twelve good men and true

    • The judge selected twelve good men and true to serve on the jury.

      This is a classic and literal use of the idiom to describe the composition of a jury, where "twelve good men and true" refers to honorable and impartial men who will provide a fair verdict in a trial.

    • She trusted in twelve good men and true to make the right decision.

      In this metaphorical use, the speaker is placing trust in a group of people to make a just decision, much like a jury is trusted to find the truth in a legal matter.

    • It takes twelve good men and true to create a masterpiece.

      This idiom is used figuratively to describe the complex and collaborative nature of creating anything of high quality, whether it be a work of art, a product, or a project. Just as a jury requires honorable and impartial members to come to a just decision, so too does a masterpiece require the collective efforts of talented and skilled individuals.

    • He relied on twelve good men and true to survive in the wilderness.

      In this example, the speaker uses the idiom metaphorically to illustrate the importance of trusting in honorable and capable individuals when faced with a difficult or dangerous situation. Just as a jury serves an essential role in upholding the truth and justice in a courtroom, such individuals can also serve as essential allies and supporters in more perilous scenarios.

    • The jury consisted of twelve good men and true, who diligently examined the evidence presented in court before delivering their verdict.

      This idiom is often used to describe a jury made up of twelve individuals, who are believed to be impartial and trustworthy in delivering a fair verdict. The phrase "good men" can also be replaced with "good women" or "good people" to be more inclusive. In this example, the jury members listen to the facts presented in court before making a decision, which is known as the jury's true.

    • The team's selection panel were twelve good men and true, who chose the players for the upcoming season based on merit and loyalty.

      This idiom is often used to describe a group of individuals responsible for making a selection or choice. In this example, the selection panel chose the players for the team based on their merit and loyalty to the team, which means they prioritized players who were deserving of a place and were committed to the team's cause.

    • John's testimonials recommended him as twelve good men and true, which made him a reliable and trustworthy candidate for the job.

      This idiom is often used to describe an individual's reputation or credibility. In this example, John's previous experiences or feedback measured him as a reliable and trustworthy candidate, which made him a good fit for the job.

    • She was committed to being twelve good men and true in all her endeavors, which made her a respected and admirable person.

      This idiom is often used to describe an individual's values and principles. In this example, the person in question was committed to being impartial, trustworthy, and delivering a fair outcome in all her endeavors, which earned her respect and admiration from others.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "twelve good men and true" is often used to describe a group of people who are considered to be reliable and trustworthy. It can also specifically refer to a jury in a legal trial, highlighting the significance of their honesty and impartiality.

    Origin of "Twelve good men and true"

    The origin of the idiom "twelve good men and true" can be traced back to English common law, where juries were traditionally composed of twelve men. The phrase emphasizes the importance of having a jury that is morally upright and honest in their decision-making. Over time, the idiom has evolved to be used more broadly to describe any group of people who are seen as dependable and trustworthy. The use of "twelve" in the idiom may also be a nod to the historical significance of the number twelve in various cultures and traditions, representing completeness and unity. Overall, the idiom carries a sense of reliability and integrity, reflecting the value placed on honesty and trustworthiness in both legal and everyday contexts.