Mowa jest srebrem, a milczenie złotem
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What it means
Literally “speech is silver, but silence is gold.” This proverb suggests that while speaking is good, knowing when to keep quiet is far more valuable. It is often used as a gentle (or sharp) reminder to someone who is talking too much or sharing secrets they shouldn’t.
Vocabulary
- mowa — speech
- milczenie — silence
- złoto — gold
Grammar note
The nouns 'srebrem' and 'złotem' are in the instrumental case because they follow the verb 'być' (to be) in a characterizing role.
Cultural context
This is a universal proverb, but in Poland, it's a very common parental "lesson" for children.
Beginner
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