That’s the way it has been with me and PD the last several days. I have an appointment with my dialysis team come Friday, and hopefully, the saying will still hold after that. Have you ever wondered where the title saying comes from? Read on:
The origin of the phrase “No news is good news” can be traced back to the 17th century. Here are the key points about its origin:
- The earliest recorded use of this exact expression in English is attributed to James Howell in 1640. He wrote, “I am of the Italians’ mind that said, ‘Nulla nuova, buona nuova’ (no news, good news)”[1].
- However, a similar sentiment was expressed even earlier by King James I of England (who was also James VI of Scotland). He wrote, “No News is better than evil news” some years before Howell’s usage[1].
- The phrase is believed to have been coined by King James I during the 17th century. He reportedly said, “No new is is bettir than evill newis” (in modern English: “No news is better than evil news”)[2].
- The idiom has been referenced in several published works throughout the years, including James Howell’s “Familiar Letters” and Stuart and Doris Flexner’s book “Wise Words and Wives’ Tales: The Origins, Meanings, and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and Folk Sayings Olde and New”[2].
The longevity of this phrase demonstrates its enduring relevance in human communication. It reflects the common belief that if there’s no news about a situation, it’s likely that nothing bad has happened, which is generally considered a good thing[2].
Citations:
[1] https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/325/no-news-is-good-news
[2] https://grammarist.com/idiom/no-news-is-good-news/
[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no%20news%20is%20good%20news
[4] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/no-news-is-good-news
[5] https://www.theidioms.com/no-news-is-good-news/
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