A word to the wise Meaning in English
expression
uh WURD tuh thuh WYZ
uh WUHD too thuh WYZ
Definition
This expression means a brief warning or hint is enough for a smart person to understand or take action.
Usage & Nuances
Often used before giving advice or an important hint. Somewhat formal or proverbial. Used to suggest that only smart/responsive people will understand. Can sound like gentle advice or a subtle warning.
Spanish: una advertencia para sabios - aviso para quien sabe escucharPortuguese (BR): para bom entendedor, meia palavra bastaPortuguese (PT): para bom entendedor, meia palavra bastaChinese (Simplified): 智者点拨 - 明者自明Chinese (Traditional): 智者點撥 - 明者自明Hindi: समझदार के लिए इशारा ही काफी हैArabic: العاقل تكفيه الإشارة - كلمة للعاقلBengali: বুদ্ধিমানদের জন্য ইঙ্গিত - বুদ্ধিমানের জন্য সংক্ষিপ্ত পরামর্শRussian: умному достаточно - совет бываломуJapanese: 賢者への一言 - 忠告（ちゅうこく）Vietnamese: Người biết điều chỉ cần nghe nửa lời - Dặn dò nhẹKorean: 지혜로운 사람에게 한마디 - 현명한 사람에게 충고Turkish: akıllıya bir işaret yeter - bilene söz kısaUrdu: عقل مند کے لیے اشارہ کافی ہے - سمجھدار کے لیے نصیحتIndonesian: người khôn chỉ cần nhắc nhẹ - lời khuyên cho người hiểu chuyện
Example Sentences
A word to the wise: don't leave your bag unattended.
basic
Before the test, he said, 'A word to the wise: review chapter 3.'
basic
A word to the wise: it gets very cold after sunset.
basic
Just a word to the wise—don’t trust the elevators in this building.
natural
Here’s a word to the wise: always back up your files!
natural
A word to the wise—the last train leaves at midnight, so plan accordingly.
natural