Cliche Quote by Harold MacMillan
“(A Foreign Secretary) is forever poised between the cliche and the indiscretion.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks as Foreign Secretary, United Kingdom, 1970
A foreign secretary must constantly balance diplomatic language with the risk of saying too much.
In simple terms: Diplomats walk a line between careful wording and careless remarks.
Key Takeaway
Choose words wisely, avoid careless disclosures.
Themes
diplomacy
communication
politics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- government meetings
- press conferences
- negotiations
- media interviews
Key Concepts
political strategy
public relations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure clarity without over‑disclosure?
- When does caution become a hindrance?
A Different Perspective
Even careful phrasing can be misinterpreted or exploited.
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