Skip to content

Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of…

“Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of the bargain.” quote by John le Carre
Download Open image
“Never trade a secret, you'll always get the short end of the bargain.”

John le Carre

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Keeping secrets leads to disadvantage; secrecy can backfire and cause loss.

In simple terms: Never trade secrets; you’ll be short‑changed.

Key Takeaway

Guard information wisely, avoid unnecessary sharing.

Themes

trust secrecy risk

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business negotiations
  • political espionage
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

information ethics strategic communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it right to disclose a secret?
  • What are the costs of secrecy?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes sharing can protect others.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John le Carre

Explore all 409 John le Carre quotes

More Bargain quotes

Browse all 110 Bargain quotes