“Now I see that going out into the testing ground of men it is the tongue and not the deed that wins the day.”

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Meaning

The quote suggests that in real-world competition, persuasive speech can matter more than action. It implies that words can be more effective than deeds when people are being judged or tested. It also hints at a cynical view of public success.

When It Was Said

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Who It Was Said To

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Historical Context

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Source

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Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

No source found on Wikiquote; the quote is listed as attributed to Sophocles.

Did You Know?

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About Sophocles

Sophocles was an ancient Greek tragedian of the fifth century BCE. He wrote over a hundred plays, though only seven survive, including *Oedipus Rex*, which explores themes of fate, human suffering, and moral complexity. His works established him as a master of dramatic structure and psychological depth.

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