Hungry bellies have no ears.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Hungry bellies have no ears.” mean?

"Hungry bellies have no ears" means that when people are hungry, they are not interested in anything else except getting something to eat, and they can be impatient.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I tried explaining the situation to them, but hungry bellies have no ears. They were too focused on finding food.

Example

We can't expect them to listen to us right now. Hungry bellies have no ears. Let's feed them first.

Example

I know you're excited to share your news, but remember that hungry bellies have no ears. Let's grab a bite to eat first

Is “Hungry bellies have no ears.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Hungry bellies have no ears.” 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 “Hungry bellies have no ears.” effectively in context?

You can use "Hungry bellies have no ears" to emphasize that when people are hungry, they are solely focused on satisfying their hunger and are not interested in anything else. It highlights the impatience and single-mindedness that hunger can cause. For example, if someone is trying to have a serious conversation with a group of hungry people, you might say, 'Don't bother explaining it to them now. Hungry bellies have no ears.'

• 1. Family

  I tried explaining the situation to them, but hungry bellies have no ears. They were too focused on finding food.

• 2. Emergency

  We can't expect them to listen to us right now. Hungry bellies have no ears. Let's feed them first.

• 3. Social Gathering

  I know you're excited to share your news, but remember that hungry bellies have no ears. Let's grab a bite to eat first.

Similar phrases to “Hungry bellies have no ears.”:

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say they will do.

Example

Instead of promising to help, show them. Actions speak louder than words.

A watched pot never boils

Time seems to move slower when you're waiting for something.

Example

Stop checking the clock. A watched pot never boils.

First things first

Prioritize the most important tasks or needs before addressing others.

Example

Let's finish this project first. First things first.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Hungry bellies have no ears.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Hungry bellies have no ears" is unknown.

Is “Hungry bellies have no ears.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Hungry bellies have no ears" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or as a proverbial expression to convey the idea that hunger can overpower other needs or interests.

What tone does “Hungry bellies have no ears.” have?

"Hungry bellies have no ears" conveys a tone of understanding and empathy. It acknowledges the strong influence of hunger on people's behavior and emphasizes the importance of addressing basic needs before expecting attention or engagement.

Can “Hungry bellies have no ears.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Hungry bellies have no ears" is considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations or storytelling rather than formal settings. It adds a touch of figurative language and cultural wisdom to the conversation.

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

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I tried explaining, but hungry bellies have no ears.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Hungry bellies have no ears!' to imply that hunger takes precedence over other matters.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• hunger blinds
• empty stomachs make deaf ears
• starving minds hear nothing
• rumbling bellies drown out words

Antonyms

• satisfied bellies have open ears
• well-fed minds are attentive
• contentment leads to listening