- English translation
The more you talk, the more you slip.
- Literal wording
Much talk teaches error.
- Meaning and lesson
Talking at great length multiplies the chances of saying something wrong. The verb here does not mean that talk instructs anyone; heavy talk breeds mistakes, so the more words a person pours out, the more likely one will be inaccurate, tactless, or harmful.
The saying warns toward restraint, faulting excess and careless speech rather than speech itself; it is not praise of silence in every case. It advises speaking only as much as needed, since constant chatter exposes a speaker to slips a more sparing talker would avoid.
- When it is used
Fits moments when someone rambles, overexplains, or keeps talking after making their point, especially where a careless word could cause trouble. It can serve as friendly advice before a delicate conversation, or as a wry comment after someone's long talk produced a blunder.
- Register
- Colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: The more you talk, the more you slip.