close vs closed

[Sitifan]

A wise head makes a ____ mouth. (A) close (B) closed
Which choice is correct, A or B?
Thanks a lot for your reply.

[Alan]

Hi,

It would be 'closed' but it sounds an odd sentence to me. I suppose it would sound better as: A wise head keeps its mouth closed??

Alan
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[Molly]

It's correct as "close mouth", or at least was:

A Compleat Collection of English Proverbs: Also the Most Celebrated Proverbs ...

Compiled by John Ray
Published 1817
Printed for T. and J
. Allman [etc.]
308 pages
Original from the University of Michigan

Page 116:

Wise men are caught in wiles.
A wise head makes a close mouth.
Some are wise and others are otherwise.

From the same book:

"A close mouth catcheth no flies."

[Molly]

Here's an alternative:

"A wise head makes a still tongue."

[Torsten]

Is this proverb still used today?
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