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little pitchers have big ears. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
little pitchers have big ears, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
little pitchers have big ears in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
An allusion to the ear-shaped handles common on pitchers used for serving liquids.
Proverb
little pitchers have big ears
- Small children often overhear more of what is said than adults realize or desire.
1844, Charlotte M. Yonge, chapter 2, in Abbeychurch:Seeing me listening to something she was saying to Mamma, she turned round upon me with that odious proverb, "Little pitchers have long ears."
1939 April 17, “Bedtime Bedlam”, in Time:A caution to U. S. parents, but a joy to radio merchandising, is the dread truth that little pitchers have big ears.
2000, Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, →ISBN, page 185:[N]o kid ever ran to his mother and said that his little sister just defecated in the tub. I suppose he might say pushed or went woowoo, but took a shit is, I fear, very much in the ballpark (little pitchers have big ears, after all).
Usage notes
- Often used when adults are conversing in the presence of small children, as a coded reminder to be careful about what one says.
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