trust but verify
Skeptical cooperation motto
Trust but verify is a policy of maintaining skepticism even while extending good faith—accepting someone's word while independently confirming it.
The phrase became prominent when Ronald Reagan used it in nuclear arms negotiations with the Soviet Union: We signed the treaty, but trust but verify—inspectors will be on site.
It now applies broadly to any situation where verification safeguards against misplaced trust.
- skepticismDisposition toward doubt
- fact checkConfirm statement accuracy
- doubtLack of firm belief
- confirmValidate as true
- checkOrder to pay
watchful · cautious · credibility · proof · inspect · validate · scrutiny · due diligence · accountability · transparency · fine print · handshake · audit · reassurance · suspicion · red flags · diplomacy · arms control
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- phrases about trustleap of faith, blind faith, in good faith, benefit of the doubt
- Political Quotesall men are created equal, Gettysburg Address, Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, nothing to fear
- Reagan Eraevil empire, trickle down
- proverbsproverbs, sayings, maxims, adages, aphorisms
- delegation phrasesdelegate, pass the buck, hand off, farm out, assign
trust but verifyblind faith
Trust without requiring proof
blind trust · credulity · take at face value · take on faith · willful ignorance
trust but verifyunconditional acceptance
Embrace requiring nothing in return
benefit of the doubt · presumption of innocence · zero trust · open arms · paranoia
trust, verify, trusts, trusted, trusting, trusty, trustee, trustful, trustworthy