Protest too much Meaning in English
expression
释义
If someone 'protests too much,' they deny something so strongly or often that people suspect the opposite might be true. It implies that their strong denial sounds suspicious.
用法与细微差别
This is often said about denial of guilt, attraction, or secrets. The phrase is semi-formal, borrowed from Shakespeare (“The lady doth protest too much, methinks”). Suggests insincerity—don’t use if the denial is reasonable.
例句
Whenever you mention chocolate, he protests too much that he doesn't like it.
basic
She protests too much when people ask if she's afraid of dogs.
basic
If you protest too much, others might not believe you.
basic
You say you don't care, but you protest too much—are you sure?
natural
The more you protest too much, the more suspicious it sounds.
natural
Everyone believed him at first, but then he started to protest too much and people got suspicious.
natural