Children should be seen and not heard

Meaning

Old proverb suggesting that children should not impinge on the adult world.

Examples

Grandma is a bit strict. We shouldn’t judge her though – things were tougher in her childhood. She was expected to be seen and not heard.

Where did it originate?

Britain.

Where is it used?

Rarely used seriously any longer. Now more likely be heard in black and white movies than in real life.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Children should be seen and not heard