empty vessels make the most noise
Meaning: The people with the least knowledge often talk the most.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “He never stops boasting, but empty vessels make the most noise.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: An empty pot or barrel rings loudly when struck. The proverb is found in English from the 15th century, and a version appears in Shakespeare's Henry V.
Equivalents in other languages
- Indonesian: Tong kosong nyaring bunyinya — literally: An empty barrel sounds the loudest
More idioms — Daily Life
- live beyond one's means — To spend more money than one earns.
- use a sledgehammer to crack a nut — To use far more force than a small problem needs.
- come down hard on someone — To punish or criticize someone severely.
- Pédaler dans la semoule — To be confused and getting nowhere.
- Avoir d'autres chats à fouetter — To have more important things to do.
- Avoir le cul entre deux chaises — To be indecisive, caught between two options.
More English idioms
- still waters run deep — Quiet people often have deep thoughts or strong feelings.
- you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours — If you help me, I will help you.
- thin-skinned — Easily offended or hurt by criticism.
- right-hand man — Someone's most trusted and useful helper.
- a monkey's wedding — A sunshower, when rain falls while the sun shines.
- off one's trolley — Crazy or foolish.