Explaining “Ask no questions and hear no lies”

What does it mean?

The phrase means that by refraining from asking questions, especially on controversial or sensitive matters, one avoids being exposed to lies, untruths, or uncomfortable answers.

Tone

Origin

The phrase can be traced back to the late 18th to early 19th century, appearing in various literary works. For instance, a variation of the phrase is found in Oliver Goldsmith’s 1773 play "She Stoops to Conquer" ('Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no fibs").