What does “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” mean?
"Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" means that having a small amount of knowledge can be misleading and dangerous if one overestimates their understanding.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He thought he knew everything about medicine because he read a few articles online, but little knowledge is a dangerous thing. He ended up misdiagnosing himself.
Example
She tried to fix her car without any experience or proper knowledge. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. She ended up causing more damage.
Example
He confidently gave financial advice based on a single book he read. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. His advice led to significant financial losses for his friends
Is “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” 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 “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” effectively in context?
You can use "Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" to caution someone about the potential dangers of having limited knowledge or understanding. It emphasizes the importance of seeking further knowledge and expertise before making decisions or taking actions. For example, if a friend is trying to fix their car without any experience, you might say, 'Be careful! Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. You might end up causing more damage.'
- 1Education
He confidently gave financial advice based on a single book he read. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. His advice led to significant financial losses for his friends.
- 2Health
He thought he knew everything about medicine because he read a few articles online, but little knowledge is a dangerous thing. He ended up misdiagnosing himself.
- 3DIY Projects
She tried to fix her car without any experience or proper knowledge. Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. She ended up causing more damage.
Similar phrases to “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”:
Having a small amount of knowledge can be misleading and dangerous if one overestimates their understanding.
Example
He thought he knew everything about politics after reading a single article, but a little learning is a dangerous thing. He ended up spreading misinformation.
Being overly focused on saving small amounts of money can lead to larger financial losses or missed opportunities.
Example
He refused to hire a professional to fix his roof and tried to do it himself. He ended up causing more damage and spending more money. Penny wise, pound foolish.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" can be traced back to Alexander Pope's poem 'An Essay on Criticism' published in 1709. The full line from the poem is 'A little learning is a dangerous thing.' Over time, the phrase has evolved to its current form.
Is “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" is a well-known proverb that is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to warn others about the risks of overestimating one's understanding or expertise in a particular subject.
What tone does “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” have?
"Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It highlights the potential harm that can come from relying on limited knowledge or understanding.
Can “Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Little knowledge is a dangerous thing" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys a universal truth about the dangers of inadequate knowledge. You can use it in various contexts, such as discussions, presentations, or written communication.
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, 'He confidently gave financial advice based on a single book he read, but little knowledge is a dangerous thing.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, little knowledge is a dangerous thing.' to imply the need for further research or expertise.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- superficial knowledge can be dangerous
- limited knowledge can be harmful
- a little information is a dangerous thing
- partial knowledge can be risky
- insufficient knowledge can lead to trouble
Antonyms
- in-depth knowledge is valuable
- extensive knowledge is beneficial
- deep understanding is advantageous
- broad knowledge is helpful
- comprehensive knowledge is essential
