proverb · Words worth keeping
A silent mouth is sweet to hear.
A silent mouth is sweet to hear.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A silent mouth described as sweet to hear gives quiet a pleasing place in conversation. The saying values restraint through a paradoxical sound image.
What the words are saying
The sentence does not establish that silence is wiser than speech or that others should remain quiet for someone’s comfort. A useful application can make room for listening while preserving necessary expression, disagreement and reporting. Silence does not imply consent or agreement.
Everyday example
Someone makes room for another person to speak while still stating a relevant concern.
When to use it
Use it to discuss room for listening without silencing others.
What it does not mean
No consent, wisdom or duty of silence established by quiet alone.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Ireland
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 830; PDF page 74; collection label: Ireland
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Ireland