Children should hear, see, and say nothing.
Meaning: Children benefit from observing and learning quietly before contributing their own opinions or spreading information.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Communication
- They talk of Christmas so long that it comes. — Repeated anticipation and discussion of an event eventually brings its arrival into reali…
- Civil words cost nothing, and go a long way. — Courtesy requires no expense yet yields disproportionate social rewards and influence.
- A close mouth catcheth no flies. — Silence protects you from inadvertently spreading rumors, revealing secrets, or inviting…
- Tell that tale to a deaf man. — Wasting effort communicating with someone unwilling or unable to listen yields nothing.
- Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves. — Actions produce tangible results while mere promises and talk leave nothing of substance…
- Wider ears and a shorter tongue. — Listening more than speaking prevents foolishness and builds wisdom through others' knowl…
From our idioms
- Att sätta sig på tvären — To be obstinate and refuse to cooperate.
- Mieć węża w kieszeni — To be very stingy.
- Wyjść jak Zabłocki na mydle — To lose out badly on a deal.