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Little pitchers have big ears Meaning in English

expression

LIT-uhl PITCH-urz HAV BIG EERZ
LIT-uhl PITCH-uhz HAV BIG EE-uhz

Definition

This expression warns that children may be listening to adult conversations, especially talks not meant for them. It reminds adults to be careful about what they say around kids.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used in a light, gentle way to remind adults to watch their language or avoid sensitive topics around children. Often said when adults realize a child may overhear embarrassing or inappropriate remarks. It is not meant literally.

Spanish: las paredes oyen - los niños escuchan todoPortuguese (BR): os pequenos também ouvem - cuidado, as crianças ouvem tudoPortuguese (PT): os pequenitos também ouvem - cuidado, as crianças ouvem tudoChinese (Simplified): 小孩有大耳朵（小孩能偷听到）Chinese (Traditional): 小孩有大耳朵（小孩會偷聽到）Hindi: छोटे घड़ों के बड़े कान होते हैं (बच्चे सुन लेते हैं)Arabic: آذان الجدران صاغية - الأطفال يسمعون كل شيءBengali: ছোটদের কান বড় (প্রবাদ) - শিশুদের কান বড় (প্রচলিত) Russian: у детей большие уши (фразеологизм)Japanese: 子どもはよく聞いているVietnamese: trẻ con hay nghe lén - trẻ con có tai thínhKorean: 어린아이도 다 듣고 있다 - 어린이는 귀가 밝다Turkish: küçük kulaklar büyüktür (deyim) - çocukların kulakları büyük olurUrdu: بچوں کے کان بڑے ہوتے ہیں (محاورہ)Indonesian: anak kecil suka mendengarkan - anak kecil punya telinga tajam

Example Sentences

Be careful—little pitchers have big ears.

basic

Don't talk about scary stories now; little pitchers have big ears.

basic

Let's wait until the kids go to bed—little pitchers have big ears.

basic

Hey, change the subject! Little pitchers have big ears and Tommy is right there.

natural

Whenever we talk about surprises, I remember that little pitchers have big ears.

natural

Oops, I forgot little pitchers have big ears—I hope she didn’t hear that!

natural