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There's no such thing as bad publicity

Meaning: Any attention, even negative, can be beneficial.

Origin: Attributed to P.T. Barnum in the 19th century, though the exact phrasing came later.

Translations

  • French: Il n'y a pas de mauvaise publicité (literally: There is no bad publicity)
  • Spanish: No hay publicidad mala (literally: There is no bad publicity)
  • Japanese: 悪名も無名にまさる (Akumei mo mumei ni masaru) (literally: Bad fame surpasses no fame)

More proverbs about Communication

  • Many hands make light work — Tasks are easier when shared among many people.
  • What you see is what you get — There's nothing hidden or disguised.
  • The customer is always right — In business, the customer's satisfaction takes priority.
  • A gentle word opens an iron gate — Kindness and diplomacy can overcome even the most resistant obstacles.
  • Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent — Saying nothing is often wiser than speaking without knowledge.
  • The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart — Words, though intangible, can inflict deep and lasting wounds.

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