many a true word is spoken in jest

many a true word is spoken in jest

proverb The things that one jokes about may in fact be true or become true. I know she said she was joking about being depressed, but I'm concerned—many a true word is spoken in jest. A: "Oh come one, I was only joking! I would never do something like that!" B: "So you say, but many a true word is spoken in jest."
See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Many a true word is spoken in jest.

 and There's many a true word spoken in jest.
Prov. Just because something is said as a joke, it can still be true. Fred: Why did you make a joke about my being stingy? Do you really think I'm cheap? Ellen: Of course not, don't be silly. It was just a joke. Fred: But many a true word is spoken in jest.
See also: jest, many, spoken, true, word
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • be (like) a bird in a gilded cage
  • a woman is as old as she admits
  • admit
  • appear to
  • a change of heart
  • a mystery to (one)
  • be (on) the wrong side of (an age)
  • be on the right/wrong side of 40, 50, etc.
  • a shoulder to cry on
  • a turn of phrase
References in periodicals archive
Brexit is like a spy story, so many twists and turns, not to find the solution till the last page - in a world where no-one is surprised anymore, and many a true word is spoken in jest.
No more surprises HAS the [...]
SIR - As they say, many a true word is spoken in jest.
Bad taste
THEY say that many a true word is spoken in jest but the Giants pathetic lack of performance on Saturday was a testament to that phrase.
Lacklustre Giants; FEEDBACK