Meaning of 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me'
What does the saying 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me' mean?
Idiom: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me
Meaning:
To be resistant to criticism. This is often said to young children upset over the fact that another child called them something that they did not like.
All idioms have been editorially reviewed. Submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
« Previous: Sticking point
Next: Sticky end »
Similar Idioms
- Make no bones about it
- Break even
- Break the ice
- Up sticks
- Break your duck
- Break ground
- Out in the sticks
- Break your heart
- Clean break
- Skin and bones
- Break the back of the beast
- Bag of bones
- Not hurt a fly
- Make or break
- Break a leg
- People who live in glass houses should not throw stones
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Explore our collection of idiom eBooks to deepen your understanding of English expressions. Download curated lists of idioms in PDF format - ideal for offline study or classroom use!
Know of an idiom that’s missing? Suggest an idiom using our online form.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me
- Idiom Quizzes