English Explanatory Dictionary

shy bairns get nowt

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. If you're too shy, or don't ask, you will not get what you want.

Pronunciation

/ʃaɪ bɛənz ɡɛt naʊt/ [ʃaɪ bɛːnz ɡɛʔ naʊʔ] [nəʊʔ] ShyBairnsGetNowtPronunc.ogg

Word forms

shy bairns get nowt shy bairns get noot

Etymology

Literally “shy children get nothing”, a reference to the shyness of children when making requests.

Related words

faint heart never won fair lady nothing ventured, nothing gained the squeaky wheel gets the grease
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