cast pearls before swine, to
Definition: To offer something of value to those who cannot or will not appreciate it.
Origin: The expression originates from the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew (7:6): “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet.” By Shakespeare’s era, this saying was well known; it appears in “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (4.2) as “Pearl enough for a swine.” Charles Dickens continued the tradition in “Dombey and Son” (1848) with “Oh, I do a thankless thing, and cast pearls before swine!”
Related Terms:
- Talking to a brick wall: Encountering deliberate ignorance or stubbornness.
- Preaching to the choir: Speaking to those who already agree with you.
- Writing in the sand: Communicating something transient or easily disregarded.
Proverbs & Expressions:
- “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
- “Feeding strawberries to pigs.”
- “A word to the wise is enough.”
Synonyms:
- Wasting your breath
- Barking up the wrong tree
- Talking to the wind
Antonyms:
- Hitting the nail on the head
- Making a breakthrough
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Trying to teach a pig to sing wastes your time and annoys the pig.”
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare
- Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens
- The Tortoise and the Hare: Aesop’s Fables
- “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan
### Which of these idioms means offering something valuable to those who can’t appreciate it?
- [x] Cast pearls before swine
- [ ] Pull up your socks
- [ ] Sleep with the fishes
- [ ] Hang up your boots
> **Explanation:** "Cast pearls before swine" is the idiom meaning to give something valuable to someone who does not understand or appreciate it.
### What’s another way of saying ‘cast pearls before swine’?
- [ ] Find a needle in a haystack
- [ ] Burn the midnight oil
- [x] Talk to a brick wall
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
> **Explanation:** "Talk to a brick wall" isn’t exactly the same but implies the frustration of attempting to communicate valuable or important information to someone who doesn’t seem to listen or care.
### True or False: 'Cast pearls before swine' is often used to communicate a wise decision.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** This idiom highlights the futility and frustration of offering wisdom or gifts to those who can't appreciate them, not a wise decision.
### Pick the correct origin for ‘cast pearls before swine.’
- [ ] The writings of Mark Twain
- [ ] An old Scottish proverb
- [x] The Gospel of St. Matthew
- [ ] Ancient Greek poetry
> **Explanation:** The idiom originates from the teachings of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew in the Bible.
### Which of the following is NOT similar to ‘cast pearls before swine’?
- [ ] Talk to a brick wall
- [ ] Waste your breath
- [ ] Feed strawberries to pigs
- [x] Kill two birds with one stone
> **Explanation:** "Kill two birds with one stone" means to achieve two things with a single action, which is not related to offering valuable things to those who can’t appreciate them.
📝 Inspirational Thought: Just because some can’t see the value in your pearls, don’t stop sharing your wisdom. Somewhere out there is a soul who will treasure every single gem you offer.
