proverb · Words worth keeping
When you’re trying’ somethin’ new, tell only a few people.
When you’re trying’ somethin’ new, tell only a few people.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Telling only a few people about a new undertaking values selective early disclosure. The saying favours a limited audience while something is being tried.
Example
Someone chooses relevant early advisers while informing everyone whose consent or practical involvement is needed.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A useful application considers the purpose of sharing and whose input or consent is needed. The advice does not establish a universal secrecy rule or prove that broad discussion harms a project. Support, collaboration and accountability may require more people to know, particularly when others are affected.
When to use it
Use it to discuss audience choice with responsibilities and support retained.
Keep in mind
No guaranteed success through secrecy or permission to hide an affected person’s role 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