"I'll believe it when I see it" is a common idiom that expresses doubt or skepticism about something. It means that the speaker does not trust or accept what someone else says or promises, and they need to see proof or evidence before they believe it.
In short:
- It is an idiom that shows doubt or disbelief.
- It can be used to respond to someone who says or promises something that seems unlikely or unrealistic.
This idiom is another way of saying that the speaker is doubtful or skeptical about something, and they require proof or evidence before they believe it.
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but some sources suggest that a biblical story may have influenced it. The story is about Jesus' disciple Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw and touched his wounds. The phrase "I'll believe it when I see it" may have derived from this story to emphasize doubt or disbelief.
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:
Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:
There are some different ways to express the same idea as this idiom, such as:
Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:
"I'll believe it when I see it" is a common idiom that expresses doubt or skepticism about something. It means that the speaker does not trust or accept what someone else says or promises, and they need to see proof or evidence before they believe it.
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but some sources suggest that a biblical story may have influenced it. The story is about Jesus' disciple Thomas, who did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw and touched his wounds.
This idiom can be considered rude or polite depending on the tone of voice, the context, and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. It can be harsh if said sarcastically, mockingly, or dismissively. It can be polite if it is displayed in a joking, playful, or curious way.
Depending on your intention and attitude, there are different ways to respond to someone who says this idiom. You can try to convince them by providing more details, facts, or examples. You can challenge them by asking them what they need to see to believe. You can agree with them by admitting that it is hard to think or you are unsure. You can ignore them by changing the subject or ending the conversation. You can also use humor by making a joke or a witty remark.
The difference between these two phrases is that the first implies that seeing is a condition for believing, while the second means that feeling is a condition for seeing. The first expresses doubt or disbelief, while the second expresses faith or optimism.
The opposite of this idiom is "I'll see it when I believe it." This means that the speaker needs to believe something before they can see it. It expresses faith or optimism rather than doubt or disbelief.
You can use this idiom positively to show that you are impressed, surprised, or excited by something someone else says or promises. You can also add some words or expressions that indicate your positive tone.
You can use this idiom negatively to show that you are skeptical, distrustful, or cynical about something someone else says or promises. You can also add some words or expressions that indicate your negative tone.
You can neutrally use this idiom to show that you are curious, interested, or cautious about something someone else says or promises. You can also add some words or expressions that indicate your neutral tone.
Some situations where people use this idiom are when someone makes a promise or a commitment that seems unlikely or unrealistic. In addition, when someone claims to have done something extraordinary or impressive that seems doubtful or unbelievable. Also, when someone predicts or forecasts something that seems improbable or impossible.
"I'll believe it when I see it" is a common idiom in English that expresses doubt or disbelief about something. It means that the speaker needs to see proof or evidence before they believe something. It can be a response to someone who says or promises something that seems unlikely or unrealistic.
Some of the basic information about this idiom are: