Little pitchers have big ears

Definitions

• children are aware of adult conversations or actions
  To remind someone to be cautious of what they say or do in front of children, as they are often more aware and perceptive than adults realize

• be cautious of what is said around others
  To caution someone to be mindful of their surroundings and who may be listening, as private conversations may not be as private as they think

Examples of Little pitchers have big ears

• I didn't realize my cousin overheard our conversation about her birthday party. Little pitchers have big ears.

  This idiom means that children may unintentionally hear and remember things that adults say, even if they are not directly addressed. It highlights the importance of being mindful of what we say around young children.

• My friend's child repeated a word she heard from her mom in a lecture she attended. Little pitchers have big ears.

  This idiom is used to describe how children can easily pick up and retain new words and information, especially when they hear them from adults or older siblings. It highlights the importance of being mindful of the language we use around children and modeling positive behavior.

• My neighbor's child was listening in on our phone conversation, despite my best efforts to keep our voices down. Little pitchers have big ears.

  This idiom signifies that children can sometimes unintentionally overhear conversations, even when adults are trying to keep them private. It underscores the importance of being mindful of our tone and level of voice in settings where children may be present.

• I was surprised to learn that my coworker's child knew all about a work project I had discussed with a colleague. Little pitchers have big ears.

  This idiom implies that children can sometimes learn about adult conversations without our knowledge, highlighting the importance of being cautious about discussing sensitive or confidential topics in their presence. It also emphasizes the need to communicate openly and honestly with children about the information they learn from overhearing adult conversations.

• John's young sister overheard their conversation about her aunt's divorce and was shocked. Little pitchers have big ears, and John realized too late that he should have kept their discussion private.

  This idiom refers to the idea that children, who are often associated with pitchers due to their small size, have the ability to listen and comprehend more than adults think. This can lead to them overhearing things that they should not have known about, which can be surprising or embarrassing for those involved. The phrase "little pitchers have big ears" serves as a warning to be careful what you say around children, who may be listening in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

The idiom "little pitchers have big ears" is used to remind people to be cautious of what they say or do around children, as they are often more perceptive and aware than adults realize. It is also used to caution someone to be mindful of their surroundings and who may be listening, as private conversations may not be as private as they think.

Origin of "Little pitchers have big ears"

The origin of the idiom "little pitchers have big ears" dates back to the 16th century, when pitchers or jugs used to have handles shaped like ears. The idiom was first recorded in the 17th century, and it was believed that the phrase was used as a warning to be cautious of what is said in front of children, as they were often overlooked but could hear everything. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass the idea of being mindful of one's surroundings and who may be listening, not just in the presence of children. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and oral traditions throughout history, demonstrating its lasting impact on language and communication.