Question

essay on "still waters run deep."

Answer 1

said about a person who says little, but who might in fact know a lot


Still Waters Run Deep - The literal meaning of the proverb is that water which looks calm on the surface is usually of great depth. This follows the corollary that water which is easily ruffled or which is constantly in a disturbed state due to the presence of wind is shallow. Taken figuratively, the proverb implies that great emotions and qualities may underlie the calm and simple exterior of a person. In this opposite is also true. One who looks smart and competent may be wanting in the sterling qualities of head and heart and may be light and frivolous.

The truth of this proverb is manifest in many affairs of our life.

A father who has lost his child may appear to be unaffected. But his calm exterior is only an indication of the extreme anguish of his heart.
A learned man does not show off his learning in and out of season as one less learned would be inclined to do. But this does not mean that he has no learning. On the contrary, his unassuming nature and unpretentious behavior only prove his sterling worth.
Similarly, a great musician may not try to point out the mistakes of musicians less qualified than him, though one less qualified would not be able to check the temptation of doing so. It must not be supposed from this, that the former has no knowledge of the beauty of music. Rather it is intrinsic merit which prevents him from seeking cheap fame by exposing the drawbacks of those who have not sufficiently mastered the science.
A person who is by nature cool and collected may not betray any bitterness in the face of a wonton insult. This should not be interpreted as weakness or an incapacity of strong feeling on the part of the person insulted. It is because he has powerful command over his emotions that he does not break out in wild vituperations.

Answer 2

The meaning is that a man of sterling qualities has no pretensions. A person, who have the extraordinary and exceptional talent, but he often quiet and humble in his behaviour.

The best meaning of this proverb is explaining the nature of the person, it means those people behave like, they are humble and gentle from the inside, but they are totally different nature from the outside.

Those people hide their real nature from the world, so it is clear, they are the more passionate person from inside, but they don’t want to see anyone.