What does “A close mouth catches no flies.” mean?
"A close mouth catches no flies" means that if you keep quiet and avoid unnecessary talking, you will avoid getting into trouble or attracting unwanted attention.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Sometimes it's better to stay silent and avoid unnecessary conversations. A close mouth catches no flies.
Example
He always keeps to himself and avoids gossiping. He believes that a close mouth catches no flies.
Example
She learned the hard way that a close mouth catches no flies. After sharing her secrets, they were used against her
Is “A close mouth catches no flies.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A close mouth catches no flies.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A close mouth catches no flies.” effectively in context?
You can use "A close mouth catches no flies" to emphasize the importance of staying silent and avoiding unnecessary conversations. It suggests that by keeping quiet, you can avoid getting into trouble or attracting unwanted attention. For example, if a friend is about to share personal information with someone they don't fully trust, you might say, 'Remember, a close mouth catches no flies.'
- 1Personal Relationships
To avoid conflicts, she decided to keep a close mouth and not engage in gossip or rumors.
- 2Workplace
He knew that discussing sensitive company information could lead to trouble, so he always kept a close mouth during office conversations.
- 3Social Gatherings
After a few embarrassing incidents, she learned to keep a close mouth at parties and avoid saying things she might regret later.
Similar phrases to “A close mouth catches no flies.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A close mouth catches no flies.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A close mouth catches no flies" is unknown.
Is “A close mouth catches no flies.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A close mouth catches no flies" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to remind others of the benefits of staying silent and avoiding unnecessary conversations.
What tone does “A close mouth catches no flies.” have?
"A close mouth catches no flies" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It suggests that it's better to be discreet and keep one's thoughts to oneself rather than risk negative consequences by speaking too freely.
Can “A close mouth catches no flies.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "A close mouth catches no flies" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being cautious with one's words. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to keep a close mouth and not reveal his plans.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a close mouth catches no flies"!' to imply the importance of staying silent.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- hold your tongue
- mum's the word
- keep quiet
- zip your lips
- say nothing
Antonyms
- speak up
- voice your opinion
- open up
- share your thoughts
- express yourself
