What does “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” mean?
"Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" means that one should listen more than they speak. It is essential to pay attention to what others are saying to gain knowledge and understanding.
What context can I use the in?
Example
In order to learn and grow, it's important to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Listen to others and absorb their wisdom.
Example
During meetings, it's best to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. You'll gain valuable insights by actively listening to others.
Example
When you're in a new environment, it's wise to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. By observing and listening, you'll learn the dynamics of the situation
Is “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” 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 “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" to emphasize the importance of listening more than speaking. It advises that one should pay attention to what others are saying in order to gain knowledge and understanding. For example, if a friend is constantly interrupting others during a conversation, you might say, 'You should really keep your mouth shut and your ears open. You'll learn a lot more if you listen.'
- 1Learning and Growth
In order to learn and grow, it's important to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Listen to others and absorb their wisdom.
- 2Meetings
During meetings, it's best to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. You'll gain valuable insights by actively listening to others.
- 3New Environments
When you're in a new environment, it's wise to keep your mouth shut and your ears open. By observing and listening, you'll learn the dynamics of the situation.
Similar phrases to “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" is unknown.
Is “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still used occasionally, especially in situations where active listening is emphasized.
What tone does “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” have?
"Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" conveys a tone of advice and wisdom. It suggests that one should be humble and receptive to the ideas and perspectives of others.
Can “Keep your mouth shut and your ears open.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a straightforward proverb that emphasizes the importance of listening. 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 is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'During negotiations, it's important to keep your mouth shut and your ears open.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember to "keep your mouth shut and your ears open"!' to remind someone to listen attentively.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be all ears
- listen more, speak less
- absorb information
- pay attention
- take heed
Antonyms
- speak up
- express yourself
- voice your opinions
- engage in conversation
- participate actively
