--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ... when caught unawares I usually tell…" description: "\"... when caught unawares I usually tell the truth, and what's duller than that?\" — Iris Murdoch" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ce/iris-murdoch-993_caught_when-caught-unawares-i-usually-tell-the_3091519.png" --- # ... when caught unawares I usually tell the truth, and… ![“... when caught unawares I usually tell the truth, and what's duller than that?” quote by Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ce/iris-murdoch-993_caught_when-caught-unawares-i-usually-tell-the_3091519.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ce/iris-murdoch-993_caught_when-caught-unawares-i-usually-tell-the_3091519.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7ce/iris-murdoch-993_caught_when-caught-unawares-i-usually-tell-the_3091519.png) > “... when caught unawares I usually tell the truth, and what's duller than that?” [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When surprised, honesty is the simplest, most reliable response. **In simple terms:** Tell the truth when caught off guard. Key Takeaway Be honest instantly. Themes integrity spontaneity communication Mood thoughtful candid Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal crises - public speaking - conflict resolution - media interviews Key Concepts Moral philosophy psychology Questions to Reflect On - What truths do you avoid? - How does honesty affect relationships? A Different Perspective Truth may cause discomfort or conflict. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Telling the truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/telling-the-truth/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [Truth is always duller than fiction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/piers-paul-read/truth-is-always-duller-than-fiction/) Piers Paul Read > [A society that does not correctly interpret and appreciate its past cannot understand its present fortunes and adversities and can be caught unawares in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ibrahim-babangida/a-society-that-does-not-correctly-interpret-and-appreciate-its-past/) [Ibrahim Babangida](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ibrahim-babangida/) > [The development of fast film allowed the subjects of our photographs to be caught unawares, beyond our or their control. 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Everyone says you're important and nice, but you take second place all the time.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/i-think-being-a-woman-is-like-being-irish-everyone-says-you-re/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [Art is the final cunning of the human soul which would rather do anything than face the gods.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/art-is-the-final-cunning-of-the-human-soul-which-would-rather-do/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [The sending of a letter constitutes a magical grasp upon the future.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/the-sending-of-a-letter-constitutes-a-magical-grasp-upon-the-future/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [emotions really exist at the bottom of the personality or at the top. in the middle they are acted. this is why all the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/emotions-really-exist-at-the-bottom-of-the-personality-or-at-the-top/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [I have used the word "attention," which I borrow from Simone Weil, to express the idea of a just and loving gaze directed upon…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/i-have-used-the-word-attention-which-i-borrow-from-simone-weil-to/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [Starting a novel is opening a door on a misty landscape; you can still see very little but you can smell the earth and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/iris-murdoch/starting-a-novel-is-opening-a-door-on-a-misty-landscape-you-can-still/) [Iris Murdoch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/iris-murdoch/) > [Art and morality are, with certain provisos…one. 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