Literal translation
“The truth always comes out of children’s mouths.”
English equivalence
“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.”
Listen to the pronunciation
Listen to the pronunciation
Explanation / Comment
Children’s spontaneity can sometimes reveal truths that adults ignore or prefer not to acknowledge. Their innocence and natural honesty allow them to perceive the world without social filters, which can lead to insightful observations.
However, this same innocence can also lead them to share disturbing information or comments, sometimes without full awareness of the consequences.
Ultimately, children’s ability to reveal truths, whether positive or uncomfortable, offers adults an opportunity to reflect on themselves and the way they interact with the world.
Example
🇫🇷 “Pendant le diner, le petit Thomas a déclaré que la nouvelle coiffure de tante Marie ne lui plaisait pas. Sa mère a souri et a dit : “Eh bien, la vérité sort toujours de la bouche des enfants !'”
🇬🇧 “During dinner, little Thomas said he didn’t like Aunt Marie’s new hairdo. His mother smiled and said: ‘Well, out of the mouths of babes and sucklings!“
Example
🇫🇷 “Pendant le diner, le petit Thomas a déclaré que la nouvelle coiffure de tante Marie ne lui plaisait pas. Sa mère a souri et a dit : “Eh bien, la vérité sort toujours de la bouche des enfants !'”
🇬🇧 “During dinner, little Thomas said he didn’t like Aunt Marie’s new hairdo. His mother smiled and said: ‘Well, out of the mouths of babes and sucklings!“
About the author: Anthony Lucas
Hi there! I’ve been a French teacher since 2007. I have taught French as a foreign language to hundreds of students from all over the world in Mexico, Australia, Hong Kong and France.
➜ I now teach French online and develop the website OnlineFrenchTeacher.com.