A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it.

What it means

What you say cannot be taken back. An apology can follow a word, but it never unsays it. Think before it leaves your mouth.

The source

"A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Tongue — Speech" («Язык — Речь»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Слово не воробей: вылетит — не поймаешь."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Tongue — Speech" («Язык — Речь»). Text read at ru.wikisource.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it." mean?

What you say cannot be taken back. An apology can follow a word, but it never unsays it. Think before it leaves your mouth.

Who said "A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Tongue — Speech" («Язык — Речь»).

What is the original Russian?

Слово не воробей: вылетит — не поймаешь. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it." on a shirt?

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"A word is no sparrow. Once it flies out, you won't catch it." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Tongue — Speech" («Язык — Речь»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-word-is-no-sparrow-once-it-flies