[Mz]

I don't think I have ever before heard the expression healthily cynical. I have heard of healthy skepticism, but not of healthy cynicism.

[derefr]

Military generals and ops people can have healthy cynicism about the probability of any new technology being bug-free.

[seanmcdirmid]

Be honest about what could happen vs. being delusional about what is wanted to happen. Basically, a variant of hope for the best prepare for the worst. Sarcasm is a great way to do that.