word to the wise
Friendly cautionary tip
A word to the wise is a piece of advice or warning given with the expectation that an intelligent person will heed it without needing lengthy explanation.
The phrase often introduces or follows a brief cautionary statement: Word to the wise: don't mention the divorce around her.
The implication is that only a fool would ignore such counsel.
Sometimes shortened to just word to the wise as a knowing signal that what follows deserves attention.
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- recommendationAdvised course of action
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- tipEnd or gratuity
- pro tipExpert's shared wisdom
friendly advice · helpful hint · warning · fair warning · take heed · aphorism · maxim · heads-up · discernment · prudence · counsel · adage · foresight · acumen · sagacity · hint · insider tip · admonition
word to the wisespelling it out
Stating something explicitly
spelled out · step-by-step instructions · hand-holding · lecture · full disclosure
word to the wisepearls before swine
Offering value to those incapable of appreciating it
word to the wisewild goose chase
Hopeless pursuit of nothing
red herring · misdirection · bad advice · leading astray · silence
word, words, worded, wording, wordless, wise, wiser, wisest, wisely