Persistent slander will eventually pass for truth. Cf. L. calumniare fortiter, et aliquid adhaerebit, slander strongly and some will stick.
She will say before company, Have you never had the French Pox? speak as in the sight of God: let them Reply what they will, some dirt will stick.
[1656 Trepan 34]
'Tis a blessed Line in Matchiavel—If durt enough be thrown, some will stick.
[1678 B. R. Letter to Popish Friends 7]
Scurrility's a useful Trick, Approv'd by the most Politic; Fling Dirt enough, And some will stick.
[1705 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus ii. 11]
Whatever harm a‥venomous tongue could do them, he took care should be done. Only throw dirt enough and some of it is sure to stick.
[1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's Schooldays i. viii.]
‘We both know Owen is full of wind and piss.’ ‘The trouble is not everyone knows that. Throw enough mud, and some will stick.’
[2000 P. Lovesey Reaper xvi. 201]
Related to: malice; slander
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
