little pitcher
A child.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Be careful what you say, as little pitchers have big ears.”
“That little pitcher understands much more than you think.”
“Don't swear while that little pitcher is playing nearby.”
“We should change the subject because there is a little pitcher in the room.”
“I realized the little pitcher was paying attention when he started repeating my complaints about the neighbors during dinner.”
“Wait until the little pitcher goes to sleep before you finish telling me that secret story about your boss.”
“The adults lowered their voices to a whisper, mindful that a little pitcher was listening intently from the corner of the parlor.”
Derived from the proverb little pitchers have big ears, the term appears in English by the mid-16th century. The comparison rests upon the physical resemblance between a vessel's handle and the human ear, noting that both are prominent and perpetually open to reception. The image suggests that a child, despite a modest capacity for understanding, may possess an inconveniently large capacity for overhearing.
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a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 03
a little from column A, a little from column B
A combination of two factors or reasons.
- 04
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 05
in one's own little way
In an individual manner that creates an effect from a small action.
- 06
little emperor
In contemporary China, a child with no siblings who is regarded as overly protected and spoiled. (Seen as belonging to a generation which is a product of China's "one-child" policy.)
- 07
little girl
One's daughter.
- 08
little hand
Synonym of hour hand (on a clock face).
Last updated August 10, 2026