An áit a mbíonn deatach bíonn tine

Word for wordThe place where there is smoke, there is fire
What it meansThere is no smoke without fire.
Approximate pronunciation guide
un awch a MEE-un JAT-ukh BEE-un CHIN-eh

Written for English speakers and editorial rather than sourced. It will get you close enough to be understood, and it is not a substitute for a native speaker. Recorded audio is planned; see About.

When to use it On rumours with roots: where the talk is, something burns.

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Provenance

Where this wording comes from. We publish nothing we cannot point at.

  1. DictionaryÓ Dónaill, Foclóir Gaeilge–Béarla (1977)s.v. deatachView the source entry: checked 2026-09-02
  2. Folklore archiveNational Folklore Collection: duchas.ieThe Schools' CollectionCBÉS 0011:142, Árd Mhór school, An Aird Mhóir, Co. Galway; the transcript’s form is "Ní bhíonn deatach ach sa áit a mbíonn teine"View the source entry: checked 2026-09-02

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