ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer

ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer

If one asks a strange or nonsensical question, the listener will probably respond with a similarly strange or nonsensical answer. A: "What the heck are you talking about? All I did was ask if you think I should dress my cat up for Halloween!" B: "Well, ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer!" A: "You want to get out of tomorrow's test, Bobby? Oh sure, why not? Why don't you stay home and sleep in, and I'll give you an automatic A?" B: "Really?" A: "No! Ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer." You asked Mom if you'd be allowed to go to a party the seniors are throwing with no chaperones? Good grief, what did she say? Ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer, I bet.

See also: and, answer, ask, get, question, silly

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ask a silly/stupid question (and you'll get a silly/stupid answer)

A response to an unsatisfying answer or to one that is a put-down. Eric Partridge believed this nineteenth-century retort evolved from the proverb ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies, but the two clichés are not identical.

See also: ask, get, question, silly, stupid

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer