No answer is also an answer.
No answer is also an answer.
Meaning in plain English
No answer counted as an answer treats silence as information about an exchange. The saying asks a reader to notice a lack of response.
Example
Someone follows up about an unanswered practical question without assuming the silence means agreement.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not assign silence a single meaning. Inability, uncertainty, delay or a chosen boundary can all differ. Silence does not establish consent, guilt or agreement. A useful application checks the context and uses clear, appropriate communication rather than inventing another person’s intention.
When to use it
Use it to notice nonresponse while leaving its meaning open.
Keep in mind
No consent, guilt or specific intention established by silence alone.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Germany · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 781; PDF page 71; collection label: Germany
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗