“Tyhjät tynnyrit kolisevat eniten” – Empty barrels make the most noise

Meaning

“Tyhjät tynnyrit kolisevat eniten” literally translates to “empty barrels make the most noise,” highlighting how those who are merely talkers tend to make the most fuss. This expression is a critique of individuals or things that lack real substance yet seek attention through exaggerated self-importance. It reflects how people with less skill or knowledge may try to appear larger or louder than they are, showing a stronger need for self-assertion.

For example, this proverb applies when someone with limited knowledge keeps speaking loudly in discussions or excessively boasts about their achievements, as if trying to conceal their lack of capability. This saying is closely related to Japanese expressions like “口先ばかり” (“all talk, no action”) or “口だけ番長” (“all bark and no bite”) and similar to the English phrase “Empty vessels make the most noise.”

Origin

This proverb comes from the fact that “when you tap an empty barrel, its hollow interior makes a louder sound.” Because empty barrels are lighter and easier to move, they also make more noise when struck or moved. This quality is applied metaphorically to people, conveying that those lacking genuine skill or knowledge tend to make the most noise or fuss, emphasizing a lesson about empty words and exaggerated claims.

In Finnish culture, individuals with genuine skill or knowledge are appreciated for their humility and restraint, making this saying widely used to call out empty talk or exaggerated self-importance.

Conclusion

“Tyhjät tynnyrit kolisevat eniten” is a Finnish proverb meaning “empty barrels make the most noise.” It reflects how people without real substance tend to be the loudest in self-promotion. This proverb upholds the Finnish value of being straightforward and humble and serves as a caution against vanity and boasting.