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A secret in his mouth, is like a wild bird put into a…

“A secret in his mouth, is like a wild bird put into a cage; whose door no sooner opens, but 'tis out.” quote by Samuel Johnson
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““A secret in his mouth, is like a wild bird put into a cage; whose door no sooner opens, but 'tis out.””

Samuel Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A secret kept is unstable; once the chance to reveal it appears, it inevitably escapes.

In simple terms: Secrets are hard to keep.

Key Takeaway

Guard information wisely.

Themes

secrecy trust communication control

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • confidential work
  • personal relationships
  • legal testimony
  • media leaks

Key Concepts

psychology of secrecy social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it ethical to reveal a secret?
  • How does secrecy affect relationships?
A Different Perspective

Some secrets protect safety; not all should be disclosed.

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