ProverbHuman NatureEnglish origin

The loquacity of fools is a warning to the wise.

Meaning: Excessive talkers reveal their ignorance through their words, providing astute listeners a clear lesson in what not to become.

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.

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Browse all compliments & insults →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →