What does "not heard" mean here? Does it mean "don't say opinion"?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

This phrase is derived from the idiom “children should be seen and not heard.” Which means that children are not important and should not interrupt “grown up” talk by participating. Here she is making that same parallel to children by using the saying. It does suggest the idea that she has no contribution to make to “real” conversation. So you are correct that the "not heard" part refers to her opinions. However the meaning is more that her opinions are neither important nor valid. It is key to note that she does not believe this and is merely saying what her society thinks of her. This phrase can also be used in a positive manner. It can be used to say that you would rather observe than force your opinions on others. When used in this way it is usually done in the first person. Ex: Interns in my company are usually seen and not heard. Ex: I think sometimes it is better to be seen and not heard.

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Popular Q&As

05/04

1
What does "loose with [something]" mean?
If someone is "loose with [something]," it means they aren't strict with it or use it carelessly. Ex: I'm very loose with my children's bedtime. They go to bed when they're tired. Ex: Hannah is too loose with studying for exams. She doesn't take it seriously. Ex: I'm very loose with my books. I don't mind when you return them to me.

2
What does "how" mean here? Why is "how" used here?
"How" in this scenario means the way or condition in which; about the manner or condition in which. Piglet uses "how" because she is describing the conditions that her friends live in (in houses) and how Eeyore doesn't have the same conditions (doesn't have a house) as they do. Ex: I can't figure out how to get to the airport from here. Ex: She doesn't know how to swim.

3
What's "shank"? Do people use this word to humiliate other person?
"Shank" is a slang term used to describe a type of homemade weapon, which is often a piece of broken metal or glass. It originates from the homemade "shank" weapons that are used in prison. It can also be used as a verb to describe the action of sneakily stabbing someone with such a weapon. The speaker is likely referring to this when he asks the other boy if he should be called "shank," which can be considered to be a unique way of insulting him. "Shank" is not usually used in this way. Ex: The prisoner made a shank with a piece of broken glass. Ex: Tony got shanked last night by the other gang.

4
In casual conversations, I often saw people saying the word "actually" at the end. Then, what's the main function of the word "actually"?
The function of "actually" at the end of a sentence, is to indicate something unexpected. It also has a similar feeling to "as a matter of fact". Overall, the word "actually" has two main functions. The first is to express the truth or facts of a situation. The other is to indicate that what someone has done or said is surprising. Depending on the context, it could mean both of these things. "Actually" also creates emphasis on what is said. Ex: ... and then they actually laughed at me! It was humiliating. => surprised by the action Ex: I actually prefer chocolate ice cream rather than vanilla ice cream. => a surprising fact Ex: Are we actually leaving in ten days? => determining a fact

5
What does "between" mean in here?
We used the phrase "difference between" when we are comparing two or more things. In this case, "good food" and "amazing food". When used in this way "between" means among two or more things or people. So the difference amount two or more things. Ex: You can really see the difference between us in person. Ex: I can taste the difference between the two cakes.

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