🤫 Still Waters Run Deep
“Still waters run deep” - A silent person may be a profound thinker; also, the quiet conspirator is the most dangerous. The expression has been a proverb in English since the fifteenth century and has counterparts in ancient Rome as well as in other countries. The analogy to the deep thinker is made plain in Anthony Trollope’s novel He Knew He Was Right (1869): “That’s what I call still water. She runs deep enough . . . So quiet, but so—clever.” The other meaning, with its implication of danger, is also put as “Beware of a silent dog and still water,” a translation of a Latin proverb that appeared in Thomas Fuller’s Gnomologia (1732) and later proverb collections.
Synonyms:
- Quiet but deep
- Deep waters are calm
- Silent but wise
- Silent wisdom
Antonyms:
- Noisy but shallow
- Surface-level thinking
- Loud and clear
Humor-filled quote
“Silence is Golden… unless it’s during a mystery dinner party. Then it’s just creepy.” - Anonymous
Similar Idioms and Expressions:
- “Empty vessels make the most noise.” - Those who know the least often shout the loudest.
- “Actions speak louder than words.” - What someone does is more significant than what they say.
- “A barking dog seldom bites.” - Those who threaten often do not follow through.
Literary References:
- He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope: A classic nod to the proverb is seen here.
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Victor Frankenstein’s silent contemplation and inner depth stand opposed to the chaos he unleashes.
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Mr. Darcy’s quiet demeanor masks his profound character and emotions.
Movies:
- The King’s Speech (2010): A film about a quiet man who finds his voice, symbolizing power in silence.
- A Beautiful Mind (2001): The quiet depths of a brilliant mathematician’s mind are explored.
Songs:
- “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel: That resonates with the theme of silent profundity.
- “Let it Be” by The Beatles: The theme of profound messages conveyed softly.
Poetry:
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Reflection in silence about choices made.
- “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost: The quiet, contemplative nature of life’s moments.
Intriguing Quizzes:
Remember, whether you sail noisy seas or float on tranquil lakes, let your silence be as moving as a symphony and as deep as an ocean.
With whispers of wisdom and echoes of depth, Serena Whisperwords ✨
