still waters run deep

USAGE SUMMARY

"still waters run deep" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means that someone or something may appear calm and peaceful on the surface, but there may be hidden depths or secrets beneath the surface. Example: "At first glance, Sarah seemed like a quiet and reserved person, but her colleagues soon learned that still waters run deep as she revealed her impressive knowledge and skills in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Still waters run deep".

The New York Times - Style

Still waters run deep, aver his admirers.

Independent

For Hayley, those still waters run deep.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet she harbors passions; it might be said of her that still waters run deep.

The New York Times - Books

"But I think still waters run deep," said Joseph Boyce, 55, Ms. Finney's husband.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Gavin continues at Currys, "Cravings", the most recent single, is up for a Grammy, and still waters run deep.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But, as ever with Tutin, still waters ran deep.

The Guardian

Are the old phrases such as" empty vessels make the most noise" and" still water run deep" no longer relevant?

Huffington Post

What I'm getting at is she's 'still waters run deep.' " Wiig is a more polarizing figure for viewers: they either love Gilly, with her mischievous mugging and her "Sor-ry" catchphrase, or find her excruciating.

The New York Times - Magazine

But quiet waters run deep.

Independent

Stiller waters run deep.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the idiom in narratives or profiles to create a sense of intrigue or to challenge a reader's initial perception of a character.

Common error

Do not use "still waters run deep" to describe someone who is merely quiet if they do not actually possess hidden substance. The essence of the phrase is the contrast between the calm surface and the significant depth underneath; without that depth, the metaphor fails.

How to use

Learn how to use "still waters run deep" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "still waters run deep" functions as a complete sentence and a proverb. It follows a subject-verb-adjective (or adverbial) pattern where "still waters" is the subject and "run deep" describes the state or quality of that subject. In modern usage, it is often used as an appositive or a stand-alone observation. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and common phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki & General Knowledge

15%

Reference & Idioms

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "still waters run deep" is a robust and linguistically verified idiom that remains highly relevant in contemporary English. Ludwig AI demonstrates its frequent appearance in top-tier publications such as The New Yorker and The Economist, where it is used to describe everything from personal character to astronomical phenomena. The phrase effectively conveys the idea that calm exteriors often mask intense internal activity. Whether used as a literary device or a conversational observation, it serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond the surface. Writers should ensure they use it to highlight genuine underlying complexity rather than simple silence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quiet waters run deep

Uses a different adjective while maintaining the exact same metaphorical structure and meaning.

there is more than meets the eye

A more general idiom suggesting that the outward appearance does not tell the whole story.

hidden depths lie beneath

A more literal and descriptive way to express that someone has unrevealed complexity.

the quietest people have the loudest minds

A modern variation often used in social media and psychology to describe introverted intelligence.

don't judge a book by its cover

Broadens the concept to advise against making assumptions based on any surface level appearance.

a person of many layers

Focuses on the internal complexity of a person rather than the contrast between silence and depth.

silent waters are dangerous

Focuses specifically on the potential threat or hazard hidden by a calm surface.

empty vessels make the most noise

The logical inverse of the phrase, implying that those who talk too much often lack substance.

beware of a silent man

Shifts the tone from a neutral observation to a specific warning about quiet individuals.

surface calm hides inner turmoil

Specifically emphasizes emotional struggle rather than general intellectual or personality depth.

FAQs

What does "still waters run deep" mean?

It means that a person who is quiet or placid on the surface may have a complex, passionate or very intelligent character underneath. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests that silence does not equate to a lack of substance.

How do you use "still waters run deep" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person, such as: "He rarely speaks in meetings, but "still waters run deep" as his final reports are always the most insightful."

What is a synonym for "still waters run deep"?

A common synonymous phrase is "<a href="/s/more+than+meets+the+eye" target="_blank" rel="alternative">more than meets the eye" or the slight variation "<a href="/s/quiet+waters+run+deep" target="_blank" rel="alternative">quiet waters run deep".

Is it a compliment or a warning?

It is usually a compliment emphasizing hidden intelligence or talent. However, depending on context, it can be a warning that someone's calm exterior hides a dangerous or calculating nature, similar to the idea of "<a href="/s/hidden+depths" target="_blank" rel="alternative">hidden depths".