“Still waters run deep” is the proverb that reminds us a quiet surface can hide great depth. Here is what it means, where it comes from, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its insight.
What Does “Still Waters Run Deep” Mean?
The proverb means that a calm, quiet exterior often conceals a deep, passionate, or complex inner nature. People who say little and stay outwardly placid may in fact have rich thoughts and strong feelings running beneath the surface — just as the deepest rivers flow most smoothly and silently. It is a reminder not to mistake quietness for shallowness, and to pay attention to the people who speak the least.
Origin of the Proverb
The proverb is of Latin origin. The Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, in his history of Alexander the Great, recorded the saying “altissima quaeque flumina minimo sono labi” — “the deepest rivers flow with the least sound” — which he attributed to the people of Bactria. The image passed into English by around 1400 and has been used ever since to describe the quiet person of hidden depths.
Examples in a Sentence
- “He hardly says a word, but still waters run deep.”
- “Don’t underestimate her quietness — still waters run deep.”
- “The shy new boy turned out to be remarkably wise; still waters run deep.”
Similar Proverbs
- Empty vessels make the most noise — the opposite case: the loud often have least depth.
- A silent man is the best to listen to — the quiet ones are worth heeding.
- The deeper the waters, the more still they run — the Korean version of the same idea.
- Quiet rivers have flowery banks — calm depth bears the richest life.
For more sayings about character and quietness, see our smart thoughts and the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “still waters run deep” mean?
It means that a calm, quiet exterior often hides a deep, passionate, or thoughtful inner nature — quiet people can have great depth.
Where does the proverb come from?
It is of Latin origin — the historian Quintus Curtius Rufus recorded “the deepest rivers flow with the least sound” — and entered English by around 1400.
What is a similar proverb?
“Empty vessels make the most noise” is its mirror image, contrasting the quiet depth of some with the loud emptiness of others.