Phrase guide

word to the wise

adv · noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adv

Meaning 1

Used to emphasis following as a piece of significant advice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Well have fun, but, word to the wise, don't let your sister take control.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A brief piece of advice.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From a longer saying: "A word to the wise is sufficient".

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: moudrému napověz — idiomatic
  • Czech: chytrému napověz — idiomatic
  • Finnish: pieni neuvo — idiomatic
  • French: à bon entendeur salut — idiomatic
  • German: wenn ich dir einen Rat geben darf — idiomatic
  • Greek: ο νοών νοείτω (o noón noeíto) — idiomatic
  • Italian: a buon intenditor poche parole — idiomatic
  • Polish: słowo mądrości — idiomatic
  • Spanish: un consejo — idiomatic
  • Spanish: a buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan — idiomatic