Home › Proverbs

Hedges have eyes, and walls have ears.

Meaning: Privacy is an illusion; assume others observe and listen to your words and actions everywhere.

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

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • One pair of heels is often worth two pair of hands. — Women's domestic labor, though undervalued, accomplishes more than additional male worker…
  • Hide nothing from thy minister, physician, and lawyer. — Trust these three professionals completely; withholding information from them undermines…
  • He is not wise that is not wise for himself. — Self-interest in practical matters—securing one's own welfare—constitutes genuine wisdom,…
  • The hindermost dog may catch the hare. — Even laggards succeed when persistence outlasts the quarry's exhaustion.
  • Home is home, be it ever so homely. — Comfort and belonging matter more than outward appearance or grandeur.
  • Better poor with honour than rich with shame. — Poverty preserves your integrity and self-respect, while wealth gained dishonestly corrod…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…