“Tried and True” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “tried and true” is a phrase that you may encounter being used in everyday informal conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and the information regarding its origin. You will also find some examples of how to properly use this phrase in conversations/statements and you will discover alternative ways to say this phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

“Tried and True” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “tried and true” refers to something that has been tested and proven to be reliable or effective over time. It is often used to describe methods, practices, or products that have consistently shown positive results. The expression implies that the item or approach has withstood scrutiny and has been validated through experience.
Tried And True
Tried and True – Created by 7ESL

“Tried And True” Meaning

The phrase “tried and true” refers to something that has been tested and proven to be reliable, effective, or trustworthy over time. It suggests that a method, approach, or item has stood the test of time and consistently delivers positive results.

Examples:

  • “I always go back to my tried and true recipe for chocolate chip cookies; it never fails.”
  • “In business, it’s often best to rely on tried and true strategies rather than untested innovations.”

Origin of This Idiom

There is not much reliable origin information regarding the phrase “tried and true.” However, it may be likely that this phrase is associated with the activity of working with wood. To create a flat surface on a piece of wood, woodworkers use a tool called a wood plane, or a try plane. Once the wood is perfectly flat, the flat surface is said to be true. The first appearance of the phrase “tried and true” was in 1792.

Usage of “Tried And True”

  • In a discussion about recipes:

“I always rely on this tried and true chocolate cake recipe for family gatherings; it never fails to impress.”

  • Talking about effective methods:

“Our team has a tried and true strategy for increasing sales, and it has worked well for us in the past.”

  • During a conversation about products:

“I prefer using tried and true brands when buying tools; I want to ensure they will last.”

  • In a personal context:

“After trying various workout routines, I’ve found that sticking to my tried and true exercises keeps me motivated.”

Related Terms to “Tried And True”

  • Tested and proven – indicating that something has been evaluated and shown to be effective.
  • Time-tested – emphasizing that something has been validated over a long period.
  • Reliable – consistently good in quality or performance; trustworthy.
  • Proven track record – a history of successful performance or outcomes.
  • Established – recognized and accepted based on prior experience or evidence.
  • Dependable – capable of being relied upon; trustworthy.
  • Foolproof – designed to be incapable of failure or error.
  • Surefire – certain to succeed; reliable.
  • Classic – something that has enduring value or quality, often appreciated over time.
  • Old faithful – a term used to describe something that is consistently reliable, often associated with long-standing traditions or practices.

Other Ways to Say “Tried And True”

Like all idioms, there are many alternative ways to say the phrase “tried and true” and still convey the same meaning. Other ways to say this phrase include:

  • Dependable
  • Reliable
  • Trustworthy

“Tried And True” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made during an advertisement on television.

  • “Our tried and true formula will keep your colors looking bright and your whites truly white.”

A statement made at a charity event for the local hospital.

  • “We keep hosting these events because they are a tried and true way to produce the funding we need to treat people who come to our hospital and are in desperate need of medical care but can’t afford it.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends talking over coffee.

  • Friend 1: I cannot believe that I fell in the park. I am never going to get the grass stains out of these pants.
  • Friend 2: Try scrubbing them with some laundry detergent and warm water and then letting that sit for a few minutes before putting them in the washer.
  • Friend 1: Does that work?
  • Friend 2: It is my tried and true solution. It has worked every time for me.

A conversation between a mother and daughter.

  • Daughter: What do I do if a guy acts interested and then all of a sudden pretends like I don’t even exist all in the same day?
  • Mom: So, let me get this straight. This guy talked to you and acted interested, but now he’s not acting interested?
  • Daughter: Exactly!
  • Mom: Don’t do anything. Just wait for him to come back to you. Its a tried and true method. He is wanting you to chase him and you should make him chase you. Just act as if you could care less.

Helpful examples:

  • There’s a lot in sales and marketing that tried and true.
  • Look for the more creative solution – the tried and true don’t always bring the best results.
  • This is a tried and true way of saving water.
  • Let’s not forget the tried and true warhorse of the fixed rate loan.
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