proverb · Source-linked selection
You would make me believe the moon is made of green cheese.
You would make me believe the moon is made of green cheese.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The phrase rejects a claim as implausible, suggesting that the speaker feels someone is asking too much of their belief. A strong expression of doubt still needs reasons when the actual claim matters.
What the words are saying
The moon made of green cheese supplies an exaggerated example of something the speaker will not accept. Its role here is to express incredulity, not to explain astronomy or establish an origin for the phrase. The wording can answer a story that appears absurd or an explanation thought to be deceptive. It does not prove the disputed claim false simply because someone finds it surprising. The useful distinction is between recognising that an account needs scrutiny and treating a witty dismissal as sufficient evidence. Asking which detail is unsupported can turn scepticism into a more useful discussion.
Everyday example
A reader doubts an extravagant claim about an archive and asks for the underlying records rather than accepting it or relying only on a sarcastic reply.
When to use it
Use it mainly to understand a forceful expression of disbelief.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
Incredulity is not disproof; unusual claims should be assessed through relevant evidence.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 106 · Believe
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English
