proverb · Words worth keeping
Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open.
Keep your mouth shut and your eyes open.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The instruction pairs restrained speech with open-eyed attention. It gives observation priority over immediately adding words.
Example
A newcomer listens to an explanation and observes the task before asking a specific question.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The mouth and eyes make two responses concrete. A useful application can encourage learning the situation before commenting. It should not require silence when a question, objection or request for help is needed, and observation alone does not guarantee understanding.
When to use it
Use it to discuss attention before a response.
Keep in mind
Silence is not always appropriate, and watching does not establish knowledge by itself.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their 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
- Date unknown