It is, but also carries a clear message; I think that dichotomy is why it's been such an enduring phrase. The term became well known in the US during the cold

It is, but also carries a clear message; I think that dichotomy is why it's been such an enduring phrase. The term became well known in the US during the cold war, in the context of arms treaties. The US and Russia were making agreements that relied on at least the appearance of, and some degree of actual, trust. Meanwhile they were undertaking extensive efforts to check if the other party was actually following their obligations.