expression
silence is golden
A proverb meaning that speaking too much can bring trouble, so it is better to remain silent. The imagery is of autumn wind making one's lips feel cold after speaking.
「物言えば唇寒し秋の風」というから、余計なことは言わないほうがいい。
As the saying goes, 'Silence is golden,' so it's better not to say unnecessary things.
A more direct translation of 'silence is golden,' often used in modern contexts, while 物言えば唇寒し秋の風 is a traditional Japanese proverb with a seasonal image.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a cultural value of restraint in speech, using the seasonal image of autumn wind to evoke a sense of coolness or discomfort after speaking.