Three may keep counsel, if two be away.

Meaning: Secrets survive only when fewer mouths know them; a third person inevitably spreads what two shared.

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

More proverbs about Perseverance

In every country the sun riseth in the morning. — Universal natural laws operate identically everywhere, making local customs and beliefs l…
You must go into the country to hear what news at London. — Traveling away from centers of power reveals truths that official channels deliberately c…
A friend at court is better than a penny in the purse. — Social connections with influential people create more opportunities than monetary saving…
Courtesy on one side never lasts long. — Politeness requires mutual effort; when only one person maintains kindness, the relations…
A crow is never the whiter for washing herself often. — External efforts cannot change one's fundamental nature or inherent qualities.
It never goes well when the hen crows. — When women assume traditionally male roles or authority, social disorder follows.

Loading the full interactive collection…