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Shy bairns get nowt meaning

What does the saying 'Shy bairns get nowt' mean?

Idiom: Shy bairns get nowt

Meaning:

An idiom primarily used by those from the North East of England, used to emphasize the fact that children who fail to ask for something (usually from an older person) probably won't succeed in obtaining it. (bairn = child, nowt = nothing)

Country: British English British English | Subject Area: Children and babies | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
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