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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 4Scene 4
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“Pitchers have ears”
Proverb
Act 4,
Scene 4
Lines 48-54

An explanation of “Pitchers have ears” in Act 4, Scene 4 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Tranio-as-Lucentio

I thank you, sir. Where then do you know best
We be affied and such assurance ta'en    
As shall with either part's agreement stand?    

Baptista

Not in my house, Lucentio, for you know
Pitchers have ears, and I have many servants.
Besides, old Gremio is hearkening still,    
And happily we might be interrupted.    

The proverb “Small pitchers have wide ears” puns on the word “ears,” another name for the handles of a pitcher. It’s not clear why Baptista is so concerned about who might learn of the engagement. Perhaps he fears that someone like Gremio would concoct a legal objection to the marriage.