Ancient Proverb Quotes
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Source: Ancient Proverb
Author: Unknown
Blood is thicker than water.
Context
This line is an ancient proverb.
This famous quote you've had backwards all along. While it might be dangerous if you used water instead of blood during a transfusion, getting this quote wrong isn't going to anger the Red Cross.
The original ancient proverb is, "The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb." This means the original quote had the opposite meaning—the bond you have with your comrades, such as fellow soldiers in war, is stronger than that of your kinfolk. Who knew?
Where you've heard it
You've heard this from a family member who treats you terribly, but expects you to put up with it because you're related to them. Or you're in the Mafia.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
This misquote is more pretentious than the original, because you can't choose the family you're born into.