Explaining "Out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings)"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 22/10/2024, 16:51

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "Out of the mouths of babes (and sucklings)" suggests that children can sometimes say insightful, wise, or truthful things, despite their young age and lack of experience.

Tone

The tone of the phrase is often somewhat humorous or ironic, as it highlights the unexpected wisdom or truthfulness of a child's statement.

Origin

The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically the book of Psalms 8:2 and is also referenced in the Gospel of Matthew 21:16. It has come to be used more broadly to highlight the surprising insight that can come from children.

Examples of usage

During the meeting, my daughter chimed in with a simple solution to the problem that left all the adults speechless. Truly, out of the mouths of babes.
When asked why we should help others, the young boy said, "Because it makes the world a happy place." Out of the mouths of babes.