PhrasesHub

Pearls before swine

    Definitions

      • to offer something valuable to someone who does not appreciate it
        to describe a situation where something precious or valuable is given to someone who does not understand or appreciate its worth

      • waste something valuable
        to waste something valuable by giving it to someone who does not understand its value or appreciate it

    Examples of Pearls before swine

    • Some people refuse to listen to your advice, no matter how helpful it may be. In this case, it's like trying to give pearls to pigs - they will not appreciate or understand the value of what you are offering.

      The idiom "pearls before swine" refers to presenting something valuable or precious to people who are not worthy or capable of understanding or enjoying it. The idea is that pigs, who are not known for their intellect or refinement, would not understand the beauty or worth of pearls, and would likely just destroy or waste them. In other words, it's a waste of time and resources to offer something valuable to people who will not benefit from or appreciate it.

    • Your artistic talents are not appreciated by your co-workers, who seem to care more about socializing and gossiping than working. This is like trying to share a fine bottle of wine with a group of drunkards - the wine is wasted on them and they don't even know that they are missing out on something great.

      The idiom "like trying to share a fine bottle of wine with a group of drunkards" conveys the sense that your creative efforts are being wasted on people who are not capable of appreciating them. Just as a group of people who are already intoxicated would not fully appreciate the subtleties and nuances of a good bottle of wine, your co-workers may not have the intellectual or emotional capacity to fully understand and enjoy your art.

    • Your grandiose plans are destined to fail because your employees lack the skills and resources to execute them. It's like trying to build a grand cathedral without the proper materials or craftsmen - the project will ultimately crumble under its own weight.

      The idiom "like trying to build a grand cathedral without the proper materials or craftsmen" suggests that your ambitious plans are doomed to failure because you do not have the necessary resources or expertise to carry them out. Just as a grand cathedral requires specialized skills and high-quality building materials, your plans require capable and experienced employees to execute them successfully. Without these key elements, your efforts will be wasted, and the project will ultimately fall short of your expectations.

    • Some people refuse to listen to your ideas, simply because they disagree with you or don't want to change their own perspectives. In this case, it's like trying to teach a pig to sing - it's a waste of time and effort because pigs can't sing, and they probably won't change their minds.

      The idiom "like trying to teach a pig to sing" implies that some people are resistant to change or new perspectives, and that it's a waste of time and effort to try to convince them otherwise. Just as a pig cannot sing, some people cannot be convinced to change their minds or perspectives, no matter how persuasive or logical your arguments may be. It's better to focus your time and energy on people who are open to learning and growing, rather than wasting your efforts on skeptics or naysayers.

    • The CEO's presentation about the company's financial projections was filled with complex graphs and industry jargon that went entirely over the heads of the sales team. It was like trying to feed pearls to pigs.

      This idiom is used to describe presenting something of value or worth to people who lack the knowledge, understanding, or appreciation to fully comprehend or benefit from it. Just as pearls are a valuable commodity that pigs aren't interested in, the CEO's presentation was filled with information that the sales team wasn't capable of comprehending.

    • The concertgoer who walked out during the avant-garde composer's piece missed out on a truly unique and intricate musical experience. They were throwing pearls to swine by expecting a traditional, easy-to-understand performance.

      This idiom can also be used metaphorically to refer to presenting something that is not mainstream, popular, or easily understood to people who don't have an appreciation or interest in it. In this case, the concertgoer who left during the avant-garde piece was essentially wasting a valuable and unique musical experience by not being open-minded enough to appreciate something that wasn't immediately accessible.

    • The professor's lecture on early medieval history was filled with obscure details and references that few of the students could follow. It was like trying to teach theology to atheists.

      This idiom uses a different religious comparison to describe presenting something that requires a certain level of faith or belief to truly appreciate or understand to people who lack that faith or belief. In this case, the students who couldn't follow the professor's lecture on early medieval history were essentially wasting a valuable opportunity to learn about something that required a certain level of interest and investment in the subject to fully comprehend.

    • The artist's newest installation piece, using objects found on the beach, was met with confusion and criticism from the art world establishment. They saw it as a waste of resources and a pointless exercise in making something out of nothing. The artist was throwing pearls to swine by not creating something that met the conventional standards of what art should be.

      This idiom can also be used to describe presenting something that challenges or goes against the conventional standards of a particular field or art form to people who are resistant to change or novelty. In this case, the artist's newest installation piece was essentially being dismissed as a waste of resources because it didn't meet the conventional standards of what art should be, rather than being recognized for its unique and innovative qualities.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pearls before swine" is used to describe situations where something valuable is given to someone who does not understand or appreciate its worth. It can also be used to describe the act of wasting something valuable by giving it to someone who does not recognize its value.

    Origin of "Pearls before swine"

    The idiom "pearls before swine" originates from a biblical reference in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Matthew, where it is mentioned that "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." The phrase has since been used to convey the idea of offering something valuable to someone who is unable to appreciate it. It is often used to caution against wasting something precious on those who do not understand its value. The origin of the idiom emphasizes the importance of recognizing the worth of what is being offered and the futility of offering it to those who cannot comprehend its significance.