if-by-whiskey
That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that…That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
Meaning
1 senses(US, not comparable, usually)That equivocates on an issue while appearing to affirm both sides, by asserting that each is correct depending on which of two stated alternatives is used as the definition of a key term.
Origin
Refers to a 1952 speech by Noah S. "Soggy" Sweat Jr. during a debate on whether or not MisRefers to a 1952 speech by Noah S. "Soggy" Sweat Jr. during a debate on whether or not Mississippi should legalize alcoholic beverages. He prefaced his qualified agreement with each side in turn with the formula "if by whiskey you mean..." and a definition of "whiskey" crafted to support that side.
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