The saying silence is golden is a philosophical comment that simply means “silence is very valuable.” (Gold being an enduring symbol of high value.)
This phrase can be understood in several different ways. It can be used to talk about literal silence—no noise, no talking. In this case, we feel that “silence is golden” because it gives us peace of mind. Such as when getting away from the city, into nature:
The silence in the countryside is golden; it gives me peace.
In other cases, silence is golden means “it is valuable to not talk about something.” We might want someone to keep a secret. Or we might tell children not to talk about a ‘sensitive’ topic, as to avoid awkward or negative outcomes:
Don’t talk about your uncle’s divorce; silence is golden.
Don’t tell anyone about our business plans; silence is golden.
Some people say that this phrase goes back to Ancient Egyptian literature, although we do not have a quotation to show that. The phrase appears in English literature in the 19th century, but the idea that silence has the highest value appears in English beginning in the 14th century, where silence is compared to God and heaven.
More Examples of the Phrase “Silence is Golden” Used in a Sentence
- From having been misunderstood early on in his career, Dhoni has learnt that silence is golden.
- “Silence is golden, but shouting is fun” was the Spice Girls’ mantra.
- The silence is golden and you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
- Silence is golden, and the Air Buds Pro are a shining example of that.
- Teachers still tell you that eloquence may be silver, but silence is golden.
- Public relations pros often say that silence is golden if the news is going your way.