Home / Chinese Wisdom Cards / 会说的两头瞒,不会说的两头传
Social Rules Deep

会说的两头瞒,不会说的两头传

huì shuō de liǎng tóu mán, bú huì shuō de liǎng tóu chuán
A skilled talker conceals from both sides; a clumsy one spreads between both sides.

Can speak, both ends hide; cannot speak, both ends spread.

This advises that a wise person, when mediating between two ...

This advises that a wise person, when mediating between two parties, keeps certain things confidential to avoid conflict. A foolish person repeats everything and causes trouble.

In Chinese interpersonal culture, discretion is highly valued. Mediators and go-betweens are expected to smooth over tensions, not amplify them.

Someone might say this when criticizing a gossip who stirred up trouble, or when advising a friend to be careful about what they repeat.

It teaches the art of strategic communication. The saying elevates discretion as a social skill and warns that careless talk damages relationships.

#social-rules #honesty #friendship #caution

Discover More Chinese Sayings

Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.

🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards