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Barking dogs seldom bite

Meaning: People who make threats rarely carry them out.

Origin: Latin proverb, common across European languages.

Translations

  • French: Chien qui aboie ne mord pas (literally: A dog that barks doesn't bite)
  • Spanish: Perro que ladra no muerde (literally: A dog that barks doesn't bite)
  • Japanese: 吠える犬は噛まない (Hoeru inu wa kamanai) (literally: A barking dog doesn't bite)

More proverbs about Communication

  • A picture is worth a thousand words — Visual information communicates more effectively than text.
  • The squeaky wheel gets the grease — Those who complain the most get attention.
  • It takes two to tango — Both parties are responsible in a conflict.
  • United we stand, divided we fall — Strength comes from unity.
  • A rising tide lifts all boats — General improvements benefit everyone.
  • A chain is only as strong as its weakest link — A group's effectiveness is limited by its weakest member.

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