proverb · Source-linked selection
A woman's strength is in her tongue.
A woman's strength is in her tongue.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying assigns verbal power to women. A critical reading can recognise the force of speech while rejecting a fixed rule about gender and ability.
What the words are saying
Strength is placed in the tongue, making language a source of influence. It may appreciate persuasive speech or disparage women as overly talkative; context matters. A useful interpretation examines what was said and how it affected others rather than assuming a woman’s role or character from gender. Everyone’s voice can deserve attention, and effective speech is not restricted to one group.
Everyday example
A meeting considers a participant’s argument on its evidence rather than explaining its influence as a trait of their gender.
When to use it
Use it critically to discuss verbal influence without adopting a gender stereotype.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
Gender does not determine a person’s abilities, motives or appropriate role.
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
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1822 · Woman's strength
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English