Emily Flores
People often lean on confident-sounding lines to cover their shaky understanding of a subject matter in debates or casual conversations. These phrases may sound smart, but only until you realize they’re just clever ways to dodge the truth. Here are 10 such common phrases and why they usually indicate someone is bluffing.
“Trust Me, I Know What I’m Talking About”
When someone says, “trust me, I know what I’m talking about,” they’re usually trying to shut down the conversation. It sounds authoritative, but it often means they’re out of real explanations. It’s more about ending questions than answering them. True knowledge doesn’t need a disclaimer, and it invites discussion, not avoids it.
“That’s Just How Humans Are”
Some phrases sound philosophical but are just excuses. “That’s just how humans are” is one. Whether justifying gossip, mistakes, or risky behavior, it avoids analysis and closes debate. It paints inevitability over unpredictability, making random actions seem normal. In reality, it’s a clever shield for ignorance.
“I’ve Done My Own Research”
It’s become the go-to phrase for ignoring experts while scrolling through conspiracy threads. “I’ve done my own research” is just code for “I watched a YouTube video and skimmed the comments.” Rather than memes, actual research involves peer-reviewed studies. Unfortunately, you’ll hear it in arguments about nearly anything—from skincare to space travel.
“That’s Common Knowledge”
While “everyone knows that” sounds assertive, the line usually lacks substance. It’s also a shortcut used to dodge explanation or scrutiny. History reminds us that many so-called facts, like the Earth being flat, were eventually disproven. Plus, people tend to use this phrase when they feel insecure about their knowledge but want to appear confident in conversation.
“It’s Always Been This Way”
Relying on “It’s always been this way” is a dead giveaway. It signals the person has no idea why something exists—they only know it does. Instead of logic, they’re recycling habits. That line isn’t proof; it’s avoidance, and it shows they’re not actually equipped to defend their argument at all.
“Well, I Heard That”
Casual conversation may begin innocently, yet can rapidly lead to misinformation. People sometimes recall details incorrectly and unintentionally mix in their own biases. When something is framed as overheard, the claim spreads faster and feels more believable, even without evidence. And since overheard claims rarely have a clear source, there’s no accountability.
That’s Just Science”
Dropping “That’s just science” is a classic move when someone has no idea. Whether it’s why your phone overheats or why plants grow weirdly, it sounds smart but explains nothing. It’s a verbal shield, a way to appear knowledgeable while covering total cluelessness, hoping no one asks for a proper answer or proof.
“That’s Just Your Opinion”
People frequently use the expression to reject facts that challenge their own views. Scientific findings and some historical facts, like dates and places, are not subject to opinion. In online discussions, “that’s just your opinion” tends to appear when evidence-backed arguments can’t be countered, making it more of a defense mechanism than a valid critique.
“Numbers Don’t Lie”
“Numbers don’t lie” sounds smart—until you realize someone picked only the stats that support their argument and ignored the rest. A politician bragging about low unemployment might skip mentioning rising underemployment. The data itself is neutral, but its presentation isn’t. Numbers can be twisted to fit any argument—especially when someone cares more about winning than being honest.
“I Know A Guy Who”
When someone says, “I know a guy who…” be careful. Such wording tends to replace credible sources with personal anecdotes. These stories rarely reflect the broader reality and can mislead, especially in topics like health, finance, or law. Without verified data, it’s just hearsay dressed up to sound like insider knowledge.