What does “A word is enough to the wise.” mean?

"A word is enough to the wise" means that a wise person only needs to hear something once to understand it, while a fool may never understand no matter how many times they are told. This proverb means that it is unnecessary to repeat advice or instructions to a wise person.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I've already told you once, and a word is enough to the wise. There's no need to repeat myself.

Example

I don't need to explain it again. A word is enough to the wise. You should have understood it the first time.

Example

I've given you the instructions once. Remember, a word is enough to the wise. You should be able to figure it out on your own

Is “A word is enough to the wise.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A word is enough to the wise.” 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 word is enough to the wise.” effectively in context?

You can use "A word is enough to the wise" to emphasize that a wise person only needs to hear something once to understand it, while a fool may never understand no matter how many times they are told. It implies that it is unnecessary to repeat advice or instructions to a wise person. For example, if someone asks for directions and you give them clear instructions, you might say, 'Remember, "a word is enough to the wise". You don't need to ask again.'

1Teaching
The teacher explained the concept once, knowing that a word is enough to the wise and her students would grasp it quickly.
2Advice
He gave his friend a piece of advice, saying, 'A word is enough to the wise. You should consider your options carefully before making a decision.'
3Reminders
After reminding her colleague about an upcoming deadline, she said, 'A word is enough to the wise. Make sure you submit your work on time.'

Similar phrases to “A word is enough to the wise.”:

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say

Example

He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words. He never showed up.

A picture is worth a thousand words

A visual image can convey a complex idea more effectively than a description in words

Example

Instead of explaining the process, he showed a diagram. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Better late than never

It's better to do something late than to not do it at all

Example

She finally apologized for her mistake. Better late than never.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A word is enough to the wise.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A word is enough to the wise" is unknown.

Is “A word is enough to the wise.” common in everyday conversation?

While "A word is enough to the wise" is not as commonly used as some other proverbs, it is still known and understood by many English speakers. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

What tone does “A word is enough to the wise.” have?

"A word is enough to the wise" conveys a tone of wisdom and authority. It is used to emphasize the importance of understanding something with minimal explanation or repetition.

Can “A word is enough to the wise.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"A word is enough to the wise" is a formal proverb that is typically used in more serious or intellectual conversations. It may be less common in casual or everyday speech.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I've already told you once, and "a word is enough to the wise". There's no need to repeat myself.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"A word is enough to the wise"' to imply that further explanation is unnecessary.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

one word to the wise is enough
a wise man needs only one word
a wise person understands with one word
a single word suffices for the wise