Definition
This idiom is used to express that one is unaffected by harsh or negative words spoken to them, suggesting that verbal insults are inconsequential.
When the children were teasing each other on the playground, the teacher reminded them, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."
Despite the critics' harsh reviews of the movie, the director remained calm and said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."
Her response to the cyberbullying was, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me." She chose not to let the negative comments affect her mood.