thùng rỗng kêu to

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

empty vessels make the most sound

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

Cái thằng đó thích dạy đời nhỉ ? Thùng rỗng kêu to thôi ! Tao thừa biết nó chẳng biết mô tê gì đâu.He's so goddamn preachy, isn't he? He's just an empty vessel. I know for a fact he doesn't know squat.

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗

Equivalents & related

Common questions

What does “thùng rỗng kêu to” mean?

empty vessels make the most sound

Is “thùng rỗng kêu to” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

What is the closest equivalent?

“even a worm will turn” (English) — near equivalent.