📢 The Walls Have Ears: Secrets Aren’t Safe for Long! 👂
Secrets are fun… until they’re not so secret anymore! “The walls have ears” serves as a timeless reminder to guard your words because you never know who might be listening. Picture this: you’re in ancient Syracuse, Dionysius is lurking behind his special rock, and that one thing you really didn’t want anyone to hear— well, it’s out there now! So zip it, stitch it, lock it up! This old phrase isn’t just old-fashioned paranoia—it’s spy-level caution.
Related and Similar Terms
- Loose Lips Sink Ships: During WWII, this phrase was used to caution against careless talk that could be picked up by enemy spies.
- Eavesdropping: Literally means listening in on private conversations, typically without the consent of those involved.
- Fly on the Wall: Someone who secretly tunes into a conversation, relishing the juicy details without being seen.
- Big Brother is Watching You: From George Orwell’s “1984”, an ominous reminder that you could be under surveillance.
- Silent Listener: Referring to individuals who overhear or witness conversations without participating openly.
Proverbs, Quotes, and References
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Proverbs:
- “What you say in a whisper may be shouted aloud!”
- “A closed mouth gathers no foot.”
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Humor-Filled Quote:
- “Before you gossip, be sure your ears aren’t pretending to be walls.” - Jasper F. Marbles
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Pop Culture References:
- Book: 1984 by George Orwell: Big Brother’s constant surveillance.
- Movie: The Lives of Others (2006): A gripping portrayal of East German secret police surveillance.
- Song: “Every Breath You Take” by The Police points to an obsessive watchfulness, even if for love.
Inspirational Thought:
The indiscreet whispers of today could echo as the loudest blunders of tomorrow. There’s wisdom in knowing when to speak and, even more so, when to remain silent. The ancient walls didn’t just hear; they remembered. Be wise, be cautious, and above all, be discerning with your words!
E. A. Dropworth
October 10, 2023
### Which idiom suits a situation where a secret is easily overheard?
- [ ] The cat’s pajamas
- [ ] Pigs might fly
- [ ] Jumping on the bandwagon
- [x] The walls have ears
> **Explanation:** "The walls have ears" is about secrets being overheard. "The cat’s pajamas" is an expression of excellence, "Pigs might fly" denotes something highly unlikely, and "Jumping on the bandwagon" means to follow a trend.
### Which phrase denotes being cautious because someone may be listening?
- [x] The walls have ears
- [ ] The early bird catches the worm
- [ ] Make hay while the sun shines
- [ ] Close, but no cigar
> **Explanation:** "The walls have ears" cautions that one's words might be overheard. The other phrases talk about seizing opportunities or narrowly missing success.
### True or False: "Loose Lips Sink Ships" is an idiom that cautions against careless talk.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. "Loose Lips Sink Ships" originated in WWII to prevent careless talk that could be overheard by enemy spies and endanger lives.
### In which play did the phrase 'The walls have ears' first appear?
- [ ] Hamlet
- [ ] Romeo and Juliet
- [x] The Bird in a Cage
- [ ] A Midsummer Night’s Dream
> **Explanation:** "The walls have ears" first appeared in James Shirley’s play "The Bird in a Cage" (1633, 1.1).
### Which ancient tyrant is associated with the phrase 'The walls have ears'?
- [ ] Julius Caesar
- [x] Dionysius of Syracuse
- [ ] Alexander the Great
- [ ] Xerxes
> **Explanation:** Dionysius, the Greek tyrant of Syracuse, is often credited with the origination of the phrase.
### What modern term is similar in meaning to 'The walls have ears'?
- [x] Eavesdropping
- [ ] Cold turkey
- [ ] White elephant
- [ ] Dead ringer
> **Explanation:** Eavesdropping means secretly listening to someone's private conversation, similar to the way "the walls have ears."
### Which of these Proverbs advise against gossiping?
- [ ] "Look before you leap"
- [ ] "A penny saved is a penny earned"
- [x] "A closed mouth gathers no foot"
- [ ] "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"
> **Explanation:** "A closed mouth gathers no foot" advises against gossiping or saying something you'll regret.
