Even Walls Have Ears – दीवारों के भी कान होते हैं

Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “Even walls have ears” is a warning that:
Someone might be secretly listening (कोई छिपकर सुन सकता है)
Conversations may not be as private as they seem (बातचीत उतनी निजी नहीं हो सकती जितनी लगती है)
It’s wise to be careful about what you say and where (बोलने से पहले जगह और स्थिति का ध्यान रखना चाहिए)

This phrase paints a picture of even inanimate walls being able to “hear” — suggesting that secrets are rarely truly safe.

Hindi Equivalent:
“दीवारों के भी कान होते हैं” (Even walls can hear)
“हर जगह जासूस हो सकते हैं” (Spies can be anywhere)
“बात का बतंगड़ बन सकता है” (Words can be twisted or leaked)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used to:
Warn someone to keep their voice down
Avoid saying sensitive things in public places
Highlight the risk of eavesdropping

Common contexts: Secret meetings, office politics, sensitive information, family gossip

Real-Life Examples

Office Secrets
English: “Don’t talk about the new project here — even walls have ears.”
Hindi: “यहाँ नए प्रोजेक्ट के बारे में मत बोलो — दीवारों के भी कान होते हैं।”

Family Gossip
English: “Stop talking about the neighbors so loudly. Even walls have ears!”
Hindi: “पड़ोसियों की बातें इतनी जोर से मत करो। दीवारों के भी कान होते हैं!”

Political Strategy
English: “During the meeting, the leader spoke in code — he believed even walls have ears.”
Hindi: “मीटिंग में नेता ने संकेतों में बात की — उसे लगा दीवारों के भी कान होते हैं।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Encourages discretion in speech
✓ Reflects awareness of surveillance and gossip
✓ Promotes cautious communication in sensitive environments

When to Use This Phrase:
When cautioning someone not to speak freely
In political, corporate, or dramatic settings
While telling stories involving secrets

Usage Tips
Use it when hinting at possible eavesdropping
Adds a dramatic or suspenseful tone
Appropriate in both humorous and serious conversations

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“Keep it under wraps”	“राज़ बनाए रखना”
“Loose lips sink ships”	“ज़्यादा बोलना नुकसानदेह हो सकता है”
“Watch what you say”	“सोच-समझकर बोलो”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: Popular in espionage or thriller settings — used in war-time or spy stories
Indian Context: Deeply rooted in everyday caution — from households to politics
Global Relevance: In a digital age of surveillance, the phrase rings truer than ever

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever said something that got leaked?
• How does your workplace or home handle sensitive discussions?
• What precautions do you take to keep conversations private?