En boca cerrada no entran moscas
en BOH-kah seh-RRAH-dah noh EN-trahn MOHS-kahs
🎨 Literal vs. Figurative
Literally, this means 'Flies don't enter a closed mouth.'
It means staying silent is often the wisest way to avoid trouble.
Key Words in This Idiom:
📝 In Action
Estuve a punto de contarle el secreto, pero recordé que en boca cerrada no entran moscas.
B1I was about to tell him the secret, but I remembered that a closed mouth catches no flies.
Mi abuela siempre me aconsejaba: 'Si no tienes nada bueno que decir, mejor no digas nada. En boca cerrada no entran moscas.'
B2My grandmother always advised me: 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Silence is golden.'
📜 Origin Story
This is an ancient proverb found in many cultures, highlighting a universal truth. Its origin in Spanish is traced back to at least the 16th century. The idea is simple and visual: an open mouth is vulnerable. Just as it can let in annoying flies, it can also let out foolish or dangerous words that you can't take back. It's a timeless piece of folk wisdom about the power and safety of silence.
⭐ Usage Tips
As Timeless Advice
This is a classic 'refrán' (proverb) often used to give advice. You can say it to a friend who is about to gossip, complain excessively, or reveal too much information. It’s a gentle way of saying, 'Maybe it's better not to say anything.'
A Reminder to Yourself
People often say this to themselves, either out loud or in their head, as a personal reminder to stay quiet in a tricky situation, like a tense meeting or a family argument.
❌ Common Pitfalls
It's Not About Being Shy
Mistake: “Confusing this idiom with a recommendation to always be silent or introverted.”
Correction: This is situational advice about being prudent. It's about choosing silence strategically to avoid a negative outcome, not about being a quiet person in general.
🌎 Where It''s Used
Spain
Extremely common and universally understood. A core part of the Spanish 'refranero' (collection of proverbs).
Latin America
Universally known and used across all of Latin America. It's one of the most common proverbs in the entire Spanish-speaking world.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: En boca cerrada no entran moscas
Question 1 of 1
Your friend is about to share some juicy gossip at work. What's the best advice you could give them using an idiom?
🗣️ Practice Pronunciation
Want to sound more natural when using this idiom? Practice your Spanish pronunciation with our collection of tongue twisters.
Browse Spanish Tongue Twisters →🏷️ Tags
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'En boca cerrada no entran moscas' in a formal setting?
Yes, absolutely. Because it's a well-known proverb, it transcends formal and informal registers. You could say it in a business meeting to caution against speculation or use it casually with friends. The context and your tone of voice will determine how it's received.