A little knowledge is a dangerous thing

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A small amount of knowledge can mislead individuals into believing that they are more experienced and expert than what is actually the case.

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‘A little knowledge is a dangerous thing’ and ‘a little learning is a dangerous thing’ have been used synonymously since the 18th century. The ‘little learning’ version is widely attributed to Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744). It is found in his An Essay on Criticism, 1709.