Hanapin
three (may|might) keep counsel, if two be awayused to imply that it is important to be careful about who one shares confidential information with, as each additional person who is told the secret increases the risk of it being disclosed
ProverbWhat is the origin of the proverb "three may keep a secret if two are dead" and when to use it?
The proverb "three may keep a secret if two are dead" comes from Benjamin Franklin's 'Poor Richard's Almanack,' published in 1735. It emphasizes the idea that a secret is only truly safe when it is known by just one person, as each additional person increases the likelihood of it being revealed. While it serves as a warning about the difficulty of keeping confidential information private, it also reflects a cynical view of human nature, suggesting that people are often unable to resist sharing secrets. This saying is sometimes used humorously, but it carries a serious caution about trust and discretion.
