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A little knowledge is a dangerous thing
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A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

Meaning

A small amount of knowledge can cause people to think they are more expert than they really are.

Origin

popeFirst used by Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744) in An Essay on Criticism, 1709:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: there shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again."

See also: the List of Proverbs.