👂 Little Pitchers Have Big Ears 🧏♂️
Definition: Small children may overhear what they should not. This metaphor, which likens the human ear to the pitcher’s handle, was already stated in one of John Heywood’s proverbs (1546): “Avoyd your children, small pitchers have wide eares.” It was repeated several times by Shakespeare and was surely a cliché by the time Dickens referred to it in Bleak House (1853): “Charley verified the adage about little pitchers, I am sure.”
Related Terms & Expressions
- Big Brother is Watching 🤖: A phrase referring to the continual surveillance by an authoritarian entity. Often used to caution people about being monitored, not by little ears, but big, all-seeing eyes!
- Walls have ears 🏰: You might think nobody’s listening, but walls—or people nearby—might very well catch your secrets.
- Eavesdropping 🎙️: The act of secretly listening to private conversations. Think sneaky spies or curious little children.
Synonyms
- Overhearing
- Listening in
- Snooping
Antonyms
- Ignoring
- Being oblivious
- Neglecting
Humorous Quote:
“Children are natural mimics who act like their parents, despite every effort to teach them good manners.” — Unknown Author
Proverbs & References:
- “Children should be seen and not heard.” - This old saying underscores that kids should behave and not butt into grown-up conversations.
Literature & Media
- Books: Bleak House by Charles Dickens - where the idiom makes an appearance.
- Poetry: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain - a tale where young Tom overhears many adult conversations.
- Songs: “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin - a poignant song that tells a story through the eyes of a father and son.
- Movies: Spy Kids - showing that young ones are more astute than they appear.
Intriguing & Engaging Quizzes
### True or False: 'Little pitchers have big ears' means toddlers have excessively large ears.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. The idiom means that children are likely to overhear conversations not meant for their ears.
### Identify the idiom: Parents should speak in code words around their kids because __________.
- [x] Little pitchers have big ears
- [ ] Little dogs bark loudly
- [ ] Little lamps shine brightly
- [ ] Little birds fly high
> **Explanation:** “Little pitchers have big ears” fits the context of children overhearing adult conversations.
### True or False: Shakespeare used the idiom in his works.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! Shakespeare, known for his rich language, repeated this idiom.
E.B. Eavesdropper wishes you a day filled with mindful conversations and careful words, because you never know who might be listening. 😄
