Definition

1. Noun:
   • An inner voice that judges your behavior: The "small voice" refers to a person's internal sense of conscience or morality that guides or criticizes their actions and decisions. It is often perceived as a quiet, persistent feeling or thought.

Usage

• The term "small voice" is used to describe the subjective, internal experience of conscience. It is typically singular and often used with the definite article "the" or a possessive pronoun (e.g., my, your, his).
• It is a metaphorical expression, implying the voice is not loud or forceful but is nonetheless significant and guiding.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Despite the pressure, he listened to the small voice telling him to tell the truth.
  • I knew I should apologize; a small voice inside kept reminding me of my mistake.
  • She ignored her small voice of caution and later regretted the decision.

Advanced Usage

• "the still small voice": This is a common variant, often with a literary or religious connotation, emphasizing the quiet and gentle but morally authoritative nature of conscience.
  • In the midst of the chaos, he sought guidance from the still small voice within.

Variants and Related Words

• Conscience (n): The more direct and formal synonym for the moral principle that guides behavior.
• Inner voice (n): A near-identical phrase, often used interchangeably with "small voice."

Synonyms

• Conscience: A person's moral sense of right and wrong.
• Moral compass: An inner sense that distinguishes right from wrong.
• Scruples: Feelings of doubt or hesitation about the morality of an action.

Related Idioms

• A voice in your head: An informal idiom for persistent thoughts or conscience.
  • It was like a voice in my head warning me not to trust him.
• To have something on your conscience: To feel guilty about something.
  • The lie was on his conscience for weeks. (This idiom relates to the feeling generated by the "small voice.")

Noun

1. an inner voice that judges your behavior