proverb · Words worth keeping
A long rope is better, a conversation short.
A long rope is better, a conversation short.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A long rope and a short conversation contrast length useful for a tool with brevity useful in speech. The saying praises communication suited to its purpose.
What the words are saying
The paired comparison is selective, not a universal rule for ropes or conversations. A useful reading asks whether extra words clarify or merely prolong an exchange. Some discussions need time and detail, especially when understanding or a fair hearing is at stake.
Everyday example
A speaker removes repetition from an explanation while leaving time for questions.
When to use it
Use it to discuss concise speech without cutting off necessary discussion.
What it does not mean
No fixed ideal length for a tool or conversation is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 342; PDF page 35; collection label: Tibet Province of China
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Tibet Province of China