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沉默是金

chén mò shì jīn
idiom★Intermediate💡 silence is golden◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
The wisdom of staying quiet in situations where speaking might cause harm or reveal ignorance, as silence often carries more weight than words.
¶ Literal Meaning
Silence is gold.
Literal Breakdown
沉默silence+是is+金gold
◇ Mental Image
A golden treasure chest symbolizing the hidden value of silence, contrasting with the fleeting nature of spoken words.
◈ When to Use
During a heated family argument, instead of joining the conflict, an elder remains silent, allowing the tension to de-escalate naturally.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects traditional Chinese values of humility and restraint, where excessive speech is seen as a sign of immaturity or arrogance. It is often cited in Confucian texts as a virtue.
formal

The wisdom of staying quiet and avoiding unnecessary speech, as it often prevents trouble or reveals deeper insight.

遇到棘手问题时,他总是沉默是金,先听取他人意见。

When faced with tricky problems, he always follows the principle of 'silence is golden,' first listening to others' opinions.

💡

Often used to advise against speaking impulsively in sensitive situations.

Collocations

保持沉默maintain silence沉默寡言taciturn一言不发say nothing

Synonyms

少说为妙谨言慎行

Antonyms

口无遮拦信口开河

Related Phrases

言多必失proverb
He who talks too much is prone to errors.
祸从口出proverb
Disaster comes from the mouth (i.e., careless speech leads to trouble).

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, silence is often valued as a sign of wisdom and maturity. This idiom reflects Confucian ideals of humility and self-restraint.

⚡Gold Rule

When to Use

Use this idiom when advising someone to avoid speaking impulsively in sensitive or high-stakes situations, such as arguments, negotiations, or confidential discussions.

📖Word Origin

Originated from ancient Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the value of restraint in speech. The phrase combines '沉默' (silence) and '是金' (is gold), suggesting that silence is as precious as gold.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to advise against unnecessary talkativeness, especially in conflict or negotiation scenarios.

Word Breakdown

沉默
silence
root
+
是
is
root
+
金
gold
root
汉英词典

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