children should be seen and not heard
phrase
—used to say that children should be quiet and well-behaved
Cite this Entry
“Children should be seen and not heard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/children%20should%20be%20seen%20and%20not%20heard. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
