
ProverbMorality
American origin1900
Trust your friends, but cut the cards
Meaning: Verify even trusted relationships through precautions; friendship doesn't eliminate the need for safeguards against deception.
Origin: Adapted from the American humorist Finley Peter Dunne, whose Irish bartender Mr. Dooley advised in Mr. Dooley's Philosophy (1900): "Thrust ivrybody — but cut th' ca-ards." Trust people, but guard against being cheated.
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