A word once spoken can never be recalled.一言既出,驷马难追。
上句中国成语,把抽象的语言形象化了。“驷马难追”极言其快,不能追回。还有一句成语“覆水难收”也是形象化的说法,告诫人们切记慎言。
相同意思的谚语还有:
One word let out, a swift horse cannot overtake it.
一言既出,无法追回。
When the word is out, it belongs to another.
一言既出,即非己有。
While the word is in your mouth, it is your own; when 'tis once spoken, 'tis another's.
话在嘴里,属于自己;话一出口,即为人有。
关于慎言的谚语还可参阅:A wise man thinks all that he says; a fool says all that he thinks.因为话出不能追回而会招致横祸,这可参阅:An ox is taken by the horn, and the man by the tongue.