Better that the feet slip than the tongue.

Meaning: A physical misstep heals quickly, but careless words cause lasting damage to relationships and reputation.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

Translations

French: Mieux vaut glisser du pied que de la langue (literally: Better a slip of the foot than of the tongue)

Spare to speak and spare to spend. — Restraint in both words and money preserves resources and prevents regrettable waste.
There is a time to speak as well as to be silent. — Knowing when to withhold words proves as valuable as knowing when to voice them.
Many speak much that cannot speak well. — Verbose people often lack the clarity and wisdom that characterizes truly eloquent speech.
Speak fair and think what you will. — Private thoughts remain free even when public words must be diplomatic and measured.
Speech is the picture of the mind. — Words reveal a person's inner thoughts, beliefs, and character more honestly than any del…
One story is good until another's told. — The first account you hear seems credible until you consider alternative perspectives and…

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