Whatever lies below a waterfall gets watered down quickly. The water:

• Covers it
• Weakens it
• Overwhelms it

If we hike to the bottom of the waterfall, its power grabs our attention. We rarely notice other sights and sounds.

To water down means to cover or weaken something.

Surfaces we may cover with water include:

• Yards with new grass seed
• Clothes ready to wash
• Houses and buildings in danger from nearby fires

We add water to weaken or dilute:

• Soups
• Juices or other drinks
• Sauces

We also water down or weaken:

• Stock values
• Agreements
• Laws
• Truth

All lose worth and become less effective when we omit important information.

If we water down the truth, everyone loses.

We may not want to share hard truth. However, we need to know reality, even if we don’t like it or it hurts. Plus, people no longer trust us if we tell less than the truth. Better to stay on the up and up.

If we have not told the truth, remember confession is good for the soul. It’s never too late to turn over a new leaf.

“An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies” Proverbs 14:5 NIV).

Thanks to Phyllis Patton for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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