Ní bhíonn saoi gan locht
Word for wordThere is no wise man without fault
What it meansEven Homer nods; nobody is perfect.
Approximate pronunciation guide
nee VEE-un see gon lukht
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 The generous verdict on anyone’s failing: the wise carry faults too.
This saying as a printA curated Irish painting behind the words, your own names and date composed in. Every fada correct, and the source shown on the print itself. Preview it now; available to buy soon.Provenance
Where this wording comes from. We publish nothing we cannot point at.
- DictionaryÓ Dónaill, Foclóir Gaeilge–Béarla (1977)s.v. saoi
- Folklore archiveNational Folklore Collection: duchas.ieThe Schools' CollectionCBÉS 0011:142, Árd Mhór school, An Aird Mhóir, Co. Galway; the transcript writes it "Nil saoi gan locht"