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话到嘴边留半句

huà dào zuǐ biān liú bàn jù
Leave half your sentence unsaid.

When words reach the mouth, keep half a sentence.

This is a shorter version of the previous saying, emphasizin...

This is a shorter version of the previous saying, emphasizing that you should not reveal your full thoughts or feelings. Keeping some things unsaid is wise.

In Chinese communication, indirectness is often preferred over bluntness. This saying reflects the belief that silence can be more powerful than speech.

Someone might say this when advising a friend not to confess everything in a sensitive negotiation, or when a person is about to reveal too much personal information.

It protects against vulnerability and regret. By keeping part of your thoughts private, you maintain control and avoid potential harm.

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