proverb · Words worth keeping
It is the brutally outspoken man that earns enmity.
It is the brutally outspoken man that earns enmity.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Brutal outspokenness said to earn hostility questions a delivery that harms while claiming candour. The saying gives manner a role in how speech is received.
Example
Someone states a difficult concern plainly without adding a degrading personal attack.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not make every hostile reaction proof that the speaker was cruel. Necessary truth can meet opposition, and tone is not a complete judgment. A useful application distinguishes supported clarity from gratuitous humiliation while preserving reporting and fair criticism.
When to use it
Use it to discuss respectful clarity without suppressing consequential truth.
Keep in mind
No guaranteed reaction or fault from receiving opposition alone is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Nigeria
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Nigeria