Definition
This idiom is used to express that verbal insults or criticisms will not cause any real harm or emotional distress to the person being targeted.
Children might say, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,' when teasing each other during playtime.
She brushed off the nasty criticism, muttering to herself, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.'
Despite the attempts to verbally belittle him, he calmly responded, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.'