a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A limited understanding of a subject can lead individuals to overestimate their expertise, often resulting in errors or misguided decisions due to false confidence.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Of course anybody can saw off a limb; but here, as so often happens, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and a little more will often save a dear old friend of the family and the neighborhood.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” mean?
A limited understanding of a subject can lead individuals to overestimate their expertise, often resulting in errors or misguided decisions due to false confidence.
Is “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.