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Phrase(s): The greater the truth, the greater the libel.
Prov. It is more offensive to say something damaging and true about someone than it is to tell a damaging lie. • Jill: Fred’s really upset. Someone’s started a rumor that he’s unfaithful to his wife. Jane: But it’s true. Jill: Yeah, but the greater the truth, the greater the libel.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs