man of few words, a
a man of few words
A man who does not speak often or at length. Despite being a man of few words, Joseph was well-respected in his field because of his actions.
See also: few, man, of, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
man of few words
Fig. someone, not necessarily a man, who speaks concisely or not at all. He is a man of few words, but he usually makes a lot of sense.
See also: few, man, of, word
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
man of few words
see under few words.
See also: few, man, of, word
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
a man (or woman) of few words
a taciturn person.See also: few, man, of, word
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
man of few words, a
A person who speaks little but to the point; also, by implication, a person of action rather than words. Although most writers trace this expression to the Old Testament (“Let thy words be few,” Ecclesiastes 5:2), it is actually much older, appearing in Homer’s Iliad (“Few were his words, but wonderfully clear”). It appeared in John Ray’s 1678 proverb collection, and a version of “Few words are best” occurs in numerous other languages as well. See also strong silent type.
See also: few, man, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- a man of few words
- a man/woman of few words
- man of few words
- man of color
- man on the make
- kept man
- man after my own heart
- a man, woman, etc. after your own heart
- a man after (one's) own heart
- man of many parts