"Wit in women is apt to have bad consequences; like a sword without a scabbard, it wounds the wearer and provokes assailants"

This quote by Elizabeth Montagu suggests that wit in women can be hazardous. She compares wit to a sword without a scabbard, which can be used to wound both the user and those around them. Montagu suggests that ladies should be careful with their wit, as it can be utilized to hurt others and can likewise be used versus them. She suggests that women ought to utilize their wit with caution, as it can be a double-edged sword. Montagu's quote likewise suggests that ladies need to be aware of the power of their words and the possible repercussions of utilizing them. She warns that wit can be used to provoke and antagonize, which ladies must be mindful of how they use it. Montagu's quote functions as a tip that women must be aware of the power of their words and utilize them sensibly.