The idiom "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" means avoiding involvement in or ignoring wrongdoing or unsavory behavior. It’s a concept that encourages a virtuous life by steering clear of witnessing, listening to, or participating in malicious or harmful activities.

In short:

"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is a mantra promoting moral integrity by avoiding involvement in malicious or harmful activities.

What Does "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" Mean?

"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" conveys the idea of not allowing oneself to be corrupted by avoiding involvement in, or turning a blind eye to, wrongdoing. It often implies a moral stance, steering clear of witnessing, partaking in, or discussing malicious or harmful activities.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

• It typically advises not to look at, listen to, or engage in any form of negativity or harm.
• This stance can lead to a more positive life and better relationships.
• It’s often visually represented by three monkeys, one covering its eyes, another covering its ears, and the third covering its mouth.

Where Does "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" Come From?

The phrase “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil” comes from a Japanese pictorial maxim that embodies the proverbial principle of the same name. The three monkeys are Mizaru, who sees no evil, covering his eyes; Kikazaru, who hears no evil, covering his ears; and Iwazaru, who speaks no evil, covering his mouth. This picture became popular because of a carving from the 1600s on a door at the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan.

Historical Example

"... humanity has evolved from some of its barbarities , and most of the barbarities that exist to - day endure because women have been too long and thoroughly trained by men — to see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."

- The Forum (University of Chicago), 1913

10 Examples of "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

• We concur on following the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" principle to keep workplace toxicity at bay.
• As an ethical journalist, it’s imperative to not "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," but instead, confront and report on wrongdoings.
• At home, we practice the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" policy to maintain peace.
• Parents often try to protect their children by encouraging them to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
• It was her prerogative to live by the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" mantra to avoid unnecessary negativity.
• Children are often taught the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" principle as a guide to good behavior.
• The politicians seemed to be playing the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" game when it came to the allegations of corruption.
• Her experience taught her the importance of the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" approach.
• In our search for a harmonious life, we abide by the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" rule.
• The principle of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" can sometimes lead to willful ignorance of social injustices.

Examples of "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" in Pop Culture

The phrase "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is often depicted in pop culture, usually signifying a moral stance against negativity or wrongdoing.

Let's explore some instances:

• "See No Evil, Hear No Evil" is a 1989 comedy film directed by Arthur Hiller. The film revolves around a blind man and a deaf man who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murder plot.
• The 2016 book "The Three Wise Monkeys" by Jeet Gian revolves around the trio, Amar, Akbar, and Anthony. These individuals find themselves facing a series of challenges and uncertainties in their careers and lives. The title is directly related to the famous proverb.
• "Speak No Evil" is a 2022 film by director Christian Tafdrup. This movie follows a Danish family as they visit their Dutch friends, whom they met on vacation. Initially intended as a picture-perfect weekend getaway, tensions gradually escalate as the Danish visitors strive to maintain their manners amidst growing discomfort.

Other/Different Ways to Say "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil"

There are various other expressions that convey a similar meaning to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."

Here are some of them:

• Turn a blind eye
• Live and let live
• Avoiding negativity
• Lead a virtuous life

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil":

• What does "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" mean?

"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is a principle that advises avoiding involvement in or ignoring any form of wrongdoing or negative behavior.

• How can I use "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" in a sentence?

You can use "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" as a guide for good behavior. For example, "She follows the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' mantra to avoid unnecessary drama."

• Where does the idiom "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" come from?

"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" originates from a 17th-century Japanese pictorial maxim, represented by three monkeys.

• Is "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" a universal concept?

Yes, while the phrase is English, the concept of avoiding engagement in wrongdoing or malicious activities is auniversally recognized moral principle.

• Can "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" lead to ignorance?

While the phrase suggests a virtuous life, misinterpreted it can lead to ignoring social injustices or turning a blind eye to wrongdoing, resulting in ignorance.

• How is the idiom "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" used in pop culture?

In pop culture, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is often depicted through the image of three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth respectively. It's used in movies, music, and artwork to signify avoidance of negativity or wrongdoing.

• Does "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" promote a positive or negative lifestyle?

Typically, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" promotes a positive lifestyle by suggesting avoidance of negative influences. However, when taken to an extreme, it could lead to ignorance or apathy towards social injustices.

• Is the phrase appropriate in professional environments?

Yes, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" can be applied to professional environments as a guiding principle for maintaining integrity and avoiding involvement in unethical practices.

• What is the significance of the three monkeys in the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" idiom?

The three monkeys in the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" idiom represent the principles of not perceiving, not listening to, and not speaking out about evil, respectively. They serve as a visual representation of the idiom.

• Are there similar idioms to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil"?

Yes, idioms like "turn a blind eye," "live and let live," and "lead a virtuous life" convey similar messages of avoiding negativity or wrongdoing.

Final Thoughts About "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil"

The idiom "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" underlines the significance of moral integrity in life. Whether it's personal relationships, societal interactions, or professional dealings, adopting this mantra can help maintain a virtuous and positive environment.

Here's a quick recap:

• "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" serves as a moral guide to avoid engagement in negative behavior.
• You may use it to promote a positive and peaceful lifestyle.
• However, it should not lead to ignorance or apathy towards social injustices or wrongdoing.

The phrase is a reminder that maintaining integrity and avoiding negative influences are key to a virtuous and fulfilling life.