(a) little knowledge is a dangerous thing

Definition & Meaning of "(a) little knowledge is a dangerous thing"in English

(a) little knowledge is a dangerous thing
01

used to imply that having incomplete knowledge about something can lead to overestimating one's abilities or underestimating the complexity of the subject matter, which can be harmful

ProverbProverb

What is the origin of the proverb "little knowledge is a dangerous thing" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "little knowledge is a dangerous thing" is often attributed to Alexander Pope, an 18th-century English poet, who used it in his poem 'An Essay on Criticism.' The saying reflects the idea that having only a limited understanding of a subject can lead to mistakes or misjudgments, as it may create a false sense of expertise. Over time, the proverb has been used to warn against acting on incomplete or shallow knowledge, suggesting that more thorough understanding is necessary to make wise decisions.

example
Examples
After reading a few articles, Laura thought she was qualified to give financial advice but her lack of expertise soon became clear, exemplifying how a little knowledge is a dangerous thing without full understanding.
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