Empty vessels make the greatest sound.

The proverb suggests that people with little knowledge or substance may make the most noise, speaking with a confidence their ideas do not justify.

It cautions against mistaking volume or assertiveness for insight. What someone says matters more than how forcefully they say it.

Use this proverb to criticize loud, confident talk that contributes little to a discussion. Because it judges the speaker as well as the speech, directing it at someone can sound insulting.