speech is silver, silence is golden
Not saying anything is often better than speaking too much or saying something inappropriate.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Remember that speech is silver, silence is golden when you feel like complaining.”
“During the heated argument, he remembered that speech is silver, silence is golden and chose to say nothing at all.”
“In the face of such intense provocation, the diplomat wisely recalled that speech is silver, silence is golden, and maintained a calm, strategic composure.”
- 01
blue wall of silence
Strict secretiveness maintained by the members of a police force with respect to information which might be contrary to their interests, especially information concerning questionable police actions.
- 02
born with a silver spoon in one's mouth
Born rich, or into a wealthy family.
- 03
dead silence
A particularly notable/awkward silence or absence of response.
- 04
deafening silence
A noteworthy silence, or absence of response, especially one signifying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm.
- 05
golden age
A period of happiness, peace, prosperity, and great progress.
- 06
golden goose
Something that generates much profit or gives great advantages.
- 07
golden handcuffs
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage a participant from choosing to leave it, especially to retain a choice employee in a role that is unpleasant to them.
- 08
golden handshake
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
Last updated August 10, 2026