Walls have ears

Meaning: Be careful what you say — you may be overheard in unexpected places.

Origin: Ancient proverb recorded in many languages; appeared in English from the 16th century.

Translations

• French: Les murs ont des oreilles (literally: Walls have ears)
• Spanish: Las paredes tienen oídos (literally: Walls have ears)
• Japanese: 壁に耳あり (Kabe ni mimi ari) (literally: Walls have ears)

More proverbs about Communication

• The one who tells the stories rules the world — Whoever controls the narratives shapes beliefs, cultures, and civilizations.
• Well done is better than well said — Actions and results are far more valuable than promises and fine words.
• A word once spoken can never be recalled — Choose your words carefully, for once said they cannot be unsaid.
• Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see — Acts of kindness transcend words and communicate beyond all physical limitations.
• He who talks much errs much — The more you speak, the more likely you are to make mistakes or say the wrong thing.
• The tongue is the enemy of the neck — Careless speech can bring serious consequences upon the speaker.

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