What does “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” mean?
"Empty vessels make the greatest sound" means that people who talk a lot and are very loud often have nothing important to say, just as an empty vessel makes a lot of noise when hit. This proverb suggests that individuals who are ignorant or lacking in knowledge tend to make a lot of noise in order to compensate for their lack of substance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He talks so much, but it's all nonsense. Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
Example
Don't be fooled by his loud voice. Empty vessels make the greatest sound. He doesn't actually know what he's talking about.
Example
She loves to show off and talk over everyone else, but empty vessels make the greatest sound. She doesn't have anything valuable to contribute
Is “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” 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 “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” effectively in context?
You can use "Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" to convey the idea that people who talk a lot and are very loud often have nothing important to say. It suggests that just as an empty vessel makes a lot of noise when hit, people who are ignorant or lacking in knowledge make a lot of noise to cover up their lack of substance.
- 1Social Setting
He talks so much, but it's all nonsense. Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
- 2Workplace
Don't be fooled by his loud voice. Empty vessels make the greatest sound. He doesn't actually know what he's talking about.
- 3Group Discussion
She loves to show off and talk over everyone else, but empty vessels make the greatest sound. She doesn't have anything valuable to contribute.
Similar phrases to “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" is unknown.
Is “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" is not commonly used in everyday conversation, especially among beginner ESL students. However, it is a well-known proverb and may be encountered in literature or more formal contexts.
What tone does “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” have?
"Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" conveys a tone of skepticism and criticism. It is often used to express doubt about the credibility or substance of someone's words.
Can “Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" is considered formal. It is more likely to be used in written communication, such as essays, articles, or speeches, rather than in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Empty vessels make the greatest (the most) sound" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't be fooled by his loud voice. Empty vessels make the greatest sound.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, empty vessels make the greatest sound.' to imply skepticism towards someone's claims.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- talk is cheap
- hollow vessels make the most noise
- loudmouths have little substance
- big hat, no cattle
- sound and fury signifying nothing
Antonyms
- still waters run deep
- actions speak louder than words
- silence is golden
- the less said, the better
- let actions speak for themselves
