# word to the wise

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/word-to-the-wise
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A brief piece of advice.

## Examples

- A word to the wise: check the weather before you leave.
- A word to the wise, you should probably finish that report before the meeting starts.
- As a word to the wise, he suggested that she diversify her investments before the market became too volatile.

## Origin

A shortening of the longer proverb, "A word to the wise is sufficient." The phrase entered English as a translation of the Latin *verbum sapienti sat est*, a sentiment recording the economy of speech required when addressing an audience of sound judgement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.