What does “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” mean?
"The tongue of idle persons is never idle" means that gossip and rumor-spreading are often the pastime of those who have nothing else to do.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She always has something to say about everyone. The tongue of idle persons is never idle. She needs to find a hobby.
Example
Instead of focusing on their own lives, they spend their time spreading rumors. The tongue of idle persons is never idle.
Example
They have too much free time on their hands, which leads to gossiping. *The tongue of idle persons is never idle.
Is “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” 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 “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” effectively in context?
You can use "The tongue of idle persons is never idle" to convey the idea that people who have nothing else to do often engage in gossip and rumor-spreading. It emphasizes the tendency of idle individuals to fill their time with idle talk. For example, if someone is constantly spreading rumors or gossiping about others, you might say, 'You know what they say, the tongue of idle persons is never idle.'
- 1Social Setting
At a party, when someone starts gossiping about others, you can remind them that the tongue of idle persons is never idle and encourage them to focus on more positive conversations.
- 2Workplace
If you notice colleagues engaging in idle talk or spreading rumors, you can use the tongue of idle persons is never idle to remind them to stay focused on their work and avoid unnecessary gossip.
- 3Personal Relationships
When a friend constantly talks negatively about others, you can gently remind them that the tongue of idle persons is never idle and suggest finding more constructive ways to spend their time.
Similar phrases to “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.”:
Intellectual individuals focus on ideas, while less intelligent individuals focus on events or gossip.
Example
Instead of gossiping about others, let's have a meaningful discussion. Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The tongue of idle persons is never idle" is unknown.
Is “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "The tongue of idle persons is never idle" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it can still be used effectively to convey the idea of idle talk and gossip.
What tone does “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” have?
"The tongue of idle persons is never idle" conveys a tone of caution and criticism. It suggests that engaging in idle talk and spreading rumors is a negative and unproductive behavior.
Can “The tongue of idle persons is never idle.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The tongue of idle persons is never idle" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that can be used to express disapproval of gossip and rumor-spreading in various contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always has something to say about everyone. The tongue of idle persons is never idle. She needs to find a hobby.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the tongue of idle persons is never idle.' to imply the negative consequences of idle talk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- loose lips sink ships
- idle talk is the devil's workshop
- gossip is the devil's radio
- rumors are the devil's messenger
- don't air your dirty laundry
Antonyms
- silence is golden
- actions speak louder than words
- think before you speak
- speak only when spoken to
- keep your mouth shut
