When the truth cannot be clearly made out, what is false is increased through fear.
Quintus Curtius RufusRead
A timid dog barks more violently than it bites. Curtius Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those who are timid often make loud threats but do little harm.
This quote highlights the tendency of timid or fearful individuals to be more vocal and aggressive in their threats than to follow through with actions. It suggests that bravado often comes from insecurity, and that often the loudest bark comes from those who are least likely to cause real harm.
Themes
TimidityBravadoFearAggressionThreats
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, one might say this quote to suggest that those who complain loudly often lack the capability to act.
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