en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "Least said, soonest mended"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 30/10/2024, 19:10
English.me team member

What does it mean?

Least said, soonest mended

The phrase suggests that discussing or dwelling on a problem or awkward situation as little as possible will allow it to be resolved or forgotten more quickly.

Tone

Advisory, conciliatory

Origin

Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, and it appears in various forms in literature. One notable reference is in the works of the English novelist Charles Dickens, who used a similar phrase in his writing. The adage captures the wisdom of discretion and the idea that sometimes silence can be more effective than words.

Examples of usage

  • After the argument, he decided not to bring it up again with his colleague, thinking "least said, soonest mended."
  • When her friend made an embarrassing mistake, she opted not to mention it further; she believed "least said, soonest mended."

Recommended posts in Phrases

The darkest hour is just before the dawn

The darkest hour is just before the dawn

The phrase means that tough times or challenges often precede ... Learn more →

Youth is wasted on the young

Youth is wasted on the young

The phrase suggests that young people often fail to fully ... Learn more →

Never say die

Never say die

"Never say die" is an idiomatic expression used to encourage ... Learn more →

Speak as you find

Speak as you find

The phrase "Speak as you find" means to speak honestly ... Learn more →