Sayings/Talking

A very small hint is enough to convey our meaning. It is not always necessary to say what we want explicitly.

Someone who does not talk much, but listens to other people, probably has experience, knowledge and good judgement.

A very brief warning or explanation is enough for an intelligent person.

Don't be afraid of dogs that bark or people that threaten you (say they will do something bad to you) - in both cases they rarely take action.

It is better to take a bad step in walking than to say the wrong thing in talking. We can do a lot of damage when we say something by mistake. The elliptical nature of this saying may make it difficult to understand. The full version might be something like: "It is better that your foot should slip than that your tongue should slip."

A large expanse of water that is still and does not move is often deep and dangerous. We should be careful of it. In the same way, we should be careful with a person who does not talk much.

The real art of speaking (especially when speaking humorously) is to use as few words as possible.

People who say little or nothing are more dangerous than people who speak a lot.

Stupid people speak loudest.

When we do or say something bad to someone, a long apology and discussion does not help. In such a case, the less we say the better.

Show respect to people who have died by not saying anything bad about them. Since dead people can no longer hurt us, or defend themselves, it is better to forget their bad actions and remember only their good ones.

It is often advisable not to give any answer. Don't say no. Don't say yes. Say nothing.

If you cannot speak good of someone or something, then it is better not to speak.

This saying emphasizes the value of saying nothing.

The idea here is that if you don't disagree, you automatically agree. Keeping quiet is the same as giving permission.

Speaking is good but saying nothing is better. Discretion can be worth more than even eloquent words.

A physical attack may injure me but a verbal attack cannot injure me.

1. Speaking about the Devil may invite him to come. 2. We often say "Talk of the devil!" (or "Speak of the devil!") when somebody that we have just been speaking about suddenly appears.

The person who makes the most fuss gets all the attention.

We should know when to say something and when to say nothing.