proverb · Words worth keeping
A still tongue makes a wise head.
A still tongue makes a wise head.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying connects a still tongue with a wise head. It praises restraint in speech as part of thoughtful judgment.
What the words are saying
The body parts make quietness and understanding appear joined. A qualified application can concern listening before answering, while recognising that quiet behaviour does not prove wisdom. Insight may also require a clear explanation, question or challenge.
Everyday example
Someone pauses to understand the evidence before contributing a reasoned answer.
When to use it
Use it to discuss thoughtful restraint alongside useful participation.
What it does not mean
Quietness alone does not establish wisdom or make speech unwise.
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 proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 122; PDF page 21
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.