English Explanatory Dictionary

two plus two equals five

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. A transparently absurd claim, often accepted as a result of a tyrannical government or mass delusion.

Word forms

two plus two equals five

Etymology

Popularized by George Orwell's 1949 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, referencing a scene in which the protagonist Winston Smith wonders if the authoritarian Inner Party would declare that "two plus two equals five". However, figurative use dates back to the 18th century.

Synonyms

2+2=5 2 + 2 = 5
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