proverb · Words worth keeping
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A good chance to stop speaking is valued as an opportunity. The saying encourages restraint when further words are not useful.
Example
Someone lets a discussion conclude when their next remark adds nothing while retaining a needed opportunity to raise a concern.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Never makes the preference broad, but the word good still requires a judgment of context. A useful interpretation can recognise listening and avoiding needless speech without silencing necessary questions, dissent or reporting. Silence does not itself prove wisdom, and a forceful demand to stop may be inappropriate.
When to use it
Use it to discuss useful restraint with necessary communication protected.
Keep in mind
No universal silence rule or right to suppress another’s valid concern 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
United States
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- United States