children

Children and fools tell the truth.

Prov. Children have not yet learned, and fools never did learn, that it is often advantageous to lie. Fred: What will I tell Ellen when she asks why I'm so late getting home? Alan: Tell her the truth—we were out having a few drinks. Fred: Children and fools tell the truth, Alan.

See also: and, fool, tell, truth

children should be seen and not heard

Prov. Children should not speak in the presence of adults. (Often used as a way to rebuke a child who has spoken when he or she should not.) You may come out and meet the party guests if you'll remember that children should be seen and not heard.

See also: and, hear, seen, should

devil's children have the devil's luck

Prov. Evil people often seem to have good luck. The police thought they had trapped the murderer, but he escaped. The devil's children have the devil's luck.

See also: have, luck

Heaven protects children(, sailors,) and drunken men.

Prov. Children(, sailors,) and drunk(ard)s often escape being injured in dangerous situations. (Often used to express amazement that a child, sailor, or drunk person has escaped injury.) Jill: Did you hear? A little girl fell out of a second-floor window in our apartment building. Jane: Was she killed? Jill: She wasn't even hurt. Jane: Heaven protects children, sailors, and drunken men. Mike was so drunk he shouldn't even have been conscious, but he managed to drive home without hurting himself or anyone else; heaven protects children and drunkards.

See also: and, heaven, men, protect

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Children should be seen and not heard.

something that you say which means that children should be quiet I can't stand all that shouting. Children should be seen and not heard, in my opinion.

See also: and, hear, seen, should