What does “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” mean?

"Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" means it is important to listen to others, but not to reveal everything you know or think.

What context can I use the in?

Example

In a world full of opinions, it's wise to remember that give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Listen to others, but be selective about what you share.

Example

When it comes to sharing your thoughts, remember the saying: give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. It's important to listen to others, but be cautious about revealing too much.

Example

In a conversation, it's important to practice active listening and remember the advice: give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Hear others out, but be mindful of what you disclose

Is “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” 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 “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” effectively in context?

You can use "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" to highlight the significance of active listening and discretion in communication. It suggests that it's important to listen to others and gather information, but be selective about what you share. For example, if a friend is seeking advice, you might say, 'I understand your situation, and I'm here to listen. Remember, "give every man thy ear, but few thy voice". Be careful about who you trust with sensitive information.'

1Personal Relationships
In a romantic relationship, it's important to give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Listen to your partner's concerns, but be mindful of sharing personal details with others.
2Workplace
When participating in meetings or discussions, remember to give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Listen attentively to your colleagues' ideas, but be cautious about revealing your own until you have considered all perspectives.
3Social Media
In the age of social media, it's crucial to give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. Be mindful of what you share online and avoid disclosing personal or sensitive information to a wide audience.

Similar phrases to “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.”:

Silence is golden

It is often better to remain silent than to speak unnecessarily.

Example

In certain situations, it's best to remember that silence is golden. Sometimes, it's better to listen and observe rather than speaking impulsively.

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say.

Example

Instead of making promises, he decided to show his commitment through actions. After all, actions speak louder than words.

Still waters run deep

Quiet or reserved individuals often have hidden depths of knowledge or emotion.

Example

Although she appears shy, her insightful comments during the meeting showed that still waters run deep.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" is from William Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet.' It is spoken by Polonius, a character known for his long-winded and often contradictory advice. The phrase emphasizes the importance of listening to others, but also being cautious about revealing too much information.

Is “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” common in everyday conversation?

While not as commonly used as some other proverbs, "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" is still recognized and understood by many English speakers. It may be more frequently encountered in literary or formal contexts.

What tone does “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” have?

"Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It suggests the importance of being a good listener and exercising discretion in communication.

Can “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” be used in informal and formal settings?

This proverb is considered formal and is more likely to be used in written or formal spoken contexts, such as speeches, presentations, or academic discussions. However, it can still be used in everyday conversations to emphasize the importance of active listening and discretion.

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, 'In a world full of opinions, it's wise to remember to "give every man thy ear, but few thy voice".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "give every man thy ear, but few thy voice".' to imply the importance of listening and discretion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

listen more, talk less
hear everyone out, but be selective with your words
be an attentive listener, but guard your own thoughts
open your ears, close your mouth
take in what others say, but be cautious with your own speech

Antonyms

speak your mind freely
share everything openly
reveal all your thoughts
be an open book
talk without restraint