Naked reason and naked promise do not bind any debtor.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Bare argument or a naked promise, unsupported by consideration or formality, creates no binding obligation on a debtor — the law requires something more than words.

Where this applies

• A man argues he should not have to pay a debt because it seemed like a reasonable thing to borrow at the time — but bare reasoning without formal consideration does not create an enforceable obligation.
• A friend promises to pay you back someday with no written agreement or exchange of value, and the law treats the naked promise as unenforceable.
• A debtor claims he only gave his word and nothing more, so the creditor's attempt to collect fails because a naked promise without consideration does not bind.