An ambiguous answer is to be taken against him who offers it.

Explanation

He who speaks ambiguously when he could have spoken plainly has only himself to blame; the doubt is resolved against him.

Where this applies

• The other side gave an ambiguous answer when they could have been clear — it should be read against them.
• They worded their response vaguely on purpose and now the doubt should fall on them.
• If you speak ambiguously when you could speak plainly, the ambiguity works against you.

See also

• 10.2.9 The words of instruments are taken most strongly against him who uses them.
• 10.3.4 A latent ambiguity may be supplied by proof; for what arises in ambiguity from an extrinsic fact is removed by proof of the fact.