- English translation
Someone who lacks knowledge calls it lentils.
- Literal wording
Whoever does not know says, “Lentils.”
- Meaning and lesson
The saying rebukes a person who makes a confident judgment without understanding what is before them. It points to the mistake of treating a superficial impression as if it revealed the thing’s real nature.
It can be said when someone misidentifies, dismisses, or evaluates a matter on inadequate knowledge. Its force lies in exposing unwarranted certainty: not knowing is less blameworthy than speaking as though one knows.
- When it is used
Use it to caution against snap conclusions based on appearances or limited information, especially when someone confidently labels a person, object, or situation without checking its reality. It is typically a pointed, corrective remark rather than neutral advice.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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