Empty vessels make the most sound.中空的容器响声大。
容器空的敲起来声音大,如果是实心的反而敲不响。这是一种自然现象,用作比喻,讽刺一种腹中空空、不学无术,但反而会夸夸其谈、大言不惭的人。
十八世纪爱尔兰作家Oliver Goldsmith在他的诗篇“The Deserted Village”中曾对这种喧嚣噪杂,内部空虚的现象作生动的描写:
The noisy geese that gabbled over the pool,
The playful children just let loose from school,
The watch dog's voice that bayed the whispering wind,
And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
类似意思的谚语还有:
They brag most who can do least.
做得最少,吹得最多。
A flow of words is no proof of wisdom.
口若悬河不能证明真才实学。
The great talker is a great liar.
The great liars talk most of themselves.
最会自吹的人就是最大的骗子。
声音大的往往是空心的,反过来声音小的倒是实心的。这可参阅另一条谚语:Smooth water runs deep.