“Walls have ears”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase walls have ears means that one should be cautious about what they say because unseen listeners could be present, implying that secrets or confidential information might be overheard.
Tone Cautious, warning
Where it comes from
The saying likely originates from a story about Dionysius of Syracuse (430–367 B.C.), who had a cave shaped like an ear carved into his palace to eavesdrop on conversations from other rooms. Over the centuries, similar listening structures were installed in various palaces, such as the Louvre in Paris. It was first recorded in English in its current form in 1620.
Examples
- Before you discuss sensitive information, remember that walls have ears.
- She whispered the secret, fully aware that the walls have ears.
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