Because of a maxim’s brevity and by its characteristic manner of formulation, it will seem compressed. It asserts or draws connections between its elements in ways which cannot falsify their possible relationships, but which are not likely to be obvious upon first thought of each of the elements in isolation or in its characteristic deployment apart from the maxim. (The aspect of defamiliarization.) Often the perception of the truth of a maxim will amount to a recognition that its elements do admit of the possibility of combination indicated in the maxim.

Make us take your word for it.

Don't dress it up.

Add a stage direction to our script.

Give them a moment to look down on someone.

Give us misgivings.

Doubt in the indicative.

Want enough of others for what they give to disappoint.

Tell them what they want you to hear.