trust no one

USAGE SUMMARY

"trust no one" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common phrase that means to be cautious and not to put trust in anyone easily. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when giving advice or warning someone about potential dangers. Example 1: "When it comes to online scams, always remember to trust no one and never give out your personal information." Example 2: "After being betrayed by his closest friend, John decided to live by the motto 'trust no one'." Example 3: "In a dog-eat-dog industry like Hollywood, it's important to remember to trust no one and always have your guard up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Perhaps the moral of the story: trust no one on privacy, even Google.

TechCrunch

Along with several fellow prisoners, they are spooked and trust no one, not even one another.

The New York Times - Arts

Millennials seem to trust no one.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Trust no one," I reminded myself.

The New York Times

"Trust no one," Mr. Phelps said.

The New York Times

"Trust no one," Mr. Clipstone replied.

The New York Times

To trust no one with my mind.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's very sad, but these are very traumatic days and we trust no one.

Vice

"They often trust no-one," he explains, "not even each other".

BBC

Focus Will Smith and Margot Robbie in a trust-no-one con man caper.

The Guardian - Music

It's not the same as 'In God We Trust.' No one knows what that means".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "trust no one" to convey a strong sense of caution, betrayal, or cynicism, especially in narratives or when providing warnings.

Common error

Avoid using "trust no one" lightly in everyday conversation; its intensity can seem overdramatic or insincere if not warranted by the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trust no one" functions primarily as an imperative statement or a general principle expressing a lack of confidence in others. It's often used as a cautionary warning or to convey a cynical worldview as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Books

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trust no one" is a common expression used to convey caution, skepticism, or cynicism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, primarily in news and media, as well as books and wiki articles. While grammatically sound, it’s important to use the phrase judiciously, as overuse in casual settings can diminish its impact. Related phrases, such as "rely on yourself", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Ultimately, "trust no one" serves as a potent reminder to exercise caution and self-reliance in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distrust everyone until proven otherwise

Positions distrust as the default starting point.

be skeptical of everyone

Emphasizes doubt and questioning nature of interactions.

rely on yourself

Shifts focus from distrusting others to depending on oneself.

take nothing at face value

Suggests critical examination rather than blind acceptance.

don't put your faith in others

Highlights the risk of disappointment from misplaced trust.

believe only half of what you see

Emphasizes the deceptiveness of appearances and information.

be your own advocate

Highlights the importance of representing one's interests.

look out for number one

Stresses self-preservation and prioritizing personal interests.

trust your instincts

Focuses on relying on internal intuition rather than external sources.

every man for himself

Conveys a sense of individual struggle and lack of cooperation.

FAQs

How can I use "trust no one" in a sentence?

You can use "trust no one" to express a strong warning or a cynical perspective, such as, "After the double-crossing, he learned to trust no one."

What does it mean to "trust no one"?

To "trust no one" means to be extremely cautious and skeptical of others, assuming that people may have ulterior motives or be unreliable.

What can I say instead of "trust no one"?

Alternatives include "rely on yourself", "be skeptical of everyone", or "don't put your faith in others" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to say "trust no one"?

It's appropriate when highlighting betrayal, warning against potential deception, or illustrating a cynical worldview. It fits situations where reliance on others is risky.