In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the text advises caution to those who are quick to offer explanations. The idea conveyed is that over-explaining can lead to confusion and misunderstanding, as it introduces more opportunities for error. This implies that one should be mindful of the complexity that arises from too much detail, especially when clarity is the goal.

The quote suggests that wisdom involves restraint when it comes to elaboration. It emphasizes that while it might be tempting to clarify or justify one's thoughts extensively, doing so can ultimately complicate matters. Therefore, a prudent approach is to maintain a balance between being informative and avoiding unnecessary complications that could lead to misunderstandings.