What is the origin of the idiom "a man of few words" and when to use it?

The idiom "a man of few words" arose in the early 17th century, likely based on the concept that a quiet and reserved person tends to speak less. It is used to describe someone who speaks sparingly or prefers to communicate concisely. It can be used to refer to individuals who are quiet or reserved in their speech, or to highlight someone's ability to express themselves effectively with minimal words.