About this quote

If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor. The line forces a choice: clarity and honesty come before polish and presentation. Stop dressing up weak ideas and hiding gaps with style. Ask what facts stand up under scrutiny and build from there—no shortcuts, no pretty excuses.

When to use it

• During a code review, tell the team to prioritize clear, correct logic over clever one-liners that look impressive but break under pressure.
• When preparing a research paper, focus on accurate data and methods first, then worry about phrasing and layout.
• In a performance review, give blunt, factual feedback about results rather than cushioning poor outcomes with flattering language.
• When pitching a product, present the real limitations and trade-offs up front instead of glossing over issues to sound more attractive.