phraseC2
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
/ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌnɛri kleɪmz rɪˈkwaɪər ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌnɛri ˈɛvɪdəns/People say this when judging a very unlikely claim, to say that it needs very strong proof.
This is a firm principle of careful reasoning: the more unusual or far-reaching a claim is, the stronger the evidence should be before people accept it. It is often used when someone reports a remarkable event or an unexplained signal.
EXAMPLES
- When the team discussed the strange signal, Maya reminded them, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
- “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.,” Leo said when his friend insisted that a distant planet had sent us a message.
- Before we decide that the lights came from an alien spacecraft, let’s remember: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
SYNONYMS
The more surprising the claim, the stronger the evidence needed.A claim that unusual needs very strong proof.
ANTONYMS
Take it at face value.No proof needed—I’ll believe you.
GRAMMAR
Fixed saying · often used to challenge a claim or call for stronger evidence
COMMON COLLOCATIONS
invoke the principleapply the principledemand strong evidence
