If a man says little he thinks the more.
Meaning: Silence often reflects deeper contemplation, while excessive speech betrays shallow reasoning.
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
- He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. — Inheriting wealth from birth grants unearned advantages that others must struggle to achi…
- Better that the feet slip than the tongue. — A physical misstep heals quickly, but careless words cause lasting damage to relationship…
- 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.
From our false friends
- Simpatichny (Симпатичный) (Simpatichnyy) — Actually means 'good-looking' or 'likeable'. For sympathetic, say сочувствующий (sochuvst…
- Aktualny (Актуальный) (Aktualnyy) — Actually means 'topical' or 'currently relevant'. For actual (real), say настоящий (nasto…
- Artist (Артист) (Artist) — Actually means 'performer' — an actor, singer or circus artiste. A painter is художник (k…