ProverbCommunicationTurkish origin1885

The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart

Meaning: Words, though intangible, can inflict deep and lasting wounds.

Origin: A modern variation on an older saying known in Greek, Italian and Turkish: the tongue has no bones, but it breaks bones. The Spectator printed the Turkish version in an 1885 article on Turkish proverbs; the "break a heart" ending is a later softening.

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