Listeners never hear good of themselves.

Meaning: Eavesdroppers discover harsh truths because people speak candidly when unobserved, unlike flattery offered face-to-face.

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

Translations

Spanish: Quien escucha, su mal oye (literally: Listeners hear no good of themselves)

Whom we love best to them we can say least. — Deepest affection often leaves us tongue-tied, unable to fully express what we feel most…
Do as most do, and fewest will speak ill of thee. — Conformity to social norms shields you from criticism, though at the cost of individualit…
Mouth civility costs little but is worth less. — Polite words without sincere intent or action provide mere surface comfort, offering no r…
He that sends mouths sends meat. — Supporting dependents obligates one to provide their sustenance.
The nurse's tongue is privileged to talk. — Medical expertise grants authority to speak truth about patients' conditions without soci…
Pity, promises, and blame, are always cheap and plentiful. — Sympathy, commitments, and accusations cost nothing, so people offer them freely without…

Loading the full interactive collection…