
ProverbCommunication
Biblical origin
A gentle answer turns away wrath
Meaning: Responding calmly to anger defuses conflict; harsh replies only escalate it.
Where it's from: The Bible, Proverbs 15:1
Origin: From the Book of Proverbs (15:1). The King James Version reads "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger," and modern translations render it "a gentle answer." Gentleness defuses a quarrel that harshness would inflame.
Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words
Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.
- L'esprit de l'escalier Thinking of the perfect comeback only after the moment has passed — on your way down the…
- Terroir The unique character that a place — its soil, climate and tradition — gives to a wine or…
- Râler To complain and grumble with a certain national flair — a beloved French pastime.
Keep exploring