proverb · Legacy record
It is better to stay silent and be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
It is better to stay silent and be thought a fool, than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying prefers silence to speaking in a way that confirms an unfavourable judgment. It warns about an ill-considered contribution.
What the words are saying
The fool label and remove-all-doubt claim make the social judgment harsh. A responsible interpretation encourages thought before speaking without treating questions or mistakes as proof of low worth. Silence is not always best, and necessary communication should not be discouraged by fear of humiliation.
Everyday example
A learner takes time to form a question and asks it without treating uncertainty as shameful.
When to use it
Use it to discuss thoughtful contribution with the insulting judgment questioned.
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What it does not mean
A mistaken statement does not establish foolishness or a duty to remain silent.
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
- Not established
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 proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 646; PDF page 94
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.