Grandpa often warns us that too many words bring mistakes — speak with care.
Tips
history
The phrase traces to 《鬼谷子·本经符》: '言多必有数短之处' — too many words inevitably contain weak points. 鬼谷子 was the Warring States master of strategists Su Qin and Zhang Yi, so this is rhetoric advice from the source.
usage
Often paired with the parallel saying 沉默是金 (chénmò shì jīn, silence is golden). Used to caution someone before a delicate situation, not after they've already messed up.
