Pig's ear

Definitions

• turning something into a mess
  to refer to something that has been done or made very badly

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

Examples of Pig's ear

• She tried to braid her hair, but it turned out to be a complete pig's ear.

  In this example, "pig's ear" is used to describe a poorly executed task, specifically in regards to her hair braiding abilities. It suggests that the end result was messy and poorly done.

• After the party, the decorations were left in a complete pig's ear.

  In this example, "pig's ear" is used to describe a disorderly or unkempt state. It suggests that the decorations were left in a state of disarray and looked messy.

• He's been working on that report for days, and all he's managed to produce is a complete pig's ear.

  In this example, "pig's ear" is used to describe an unsuccessful or poorly done outcome of a task. It suggests that the report is poor in quality and unsatisfactory.

• The building was abandoned for years, and now it's fallen into a complete pig's ear.

  In this example, "pig's ear" is used to describe a state of neglect, disrepair, or disarray. It suggests that the building is in poor condition and looks badly maintained.

• She tried to braid her daughter's hair, but it turned out to be a real pig's ear.

  In this example, "pig's ear" is used as a figurative expression to describe a situation that has turned out badly or is a complete mess. In this case, the mother's attempt to braid her daughter's hair has resulted in a chaotic, disordered mess, just as a pig's ear would be.

• The company's marketing strategy has been a complete pig's ear since the start of the year.

  Here, "pig's ear" is used as a metaphor to describe a situation that is in a state of disarray, failure or confusion. In this context, it implies that the company's marketing strategy has not worked out well, and the results have been unfavorable.

• After knocking over a vase and spilling water all over the floor, he assured his wife it wasn't the end of the world, but admitted that it was definite pig's ear.

  In this example, the speaker uses "pig's ear" to depict that something that was once orderly or harmless has now become a distorted mess. The phrase highlights that the situation is no longer under control, and the outcome is less than desirable.

• The chef served a dish which was absolute pig's ear, and everyone at the table agreed.

  Here, "pig's ear" is employed to express a severe shortcoming in quality. This idiom is used when something goes terribly wrong, and the end result is far less than satisfactory. In this case, the dish that the chef served was perceived as a terrible failure, both in terms of its taste and presentation.

Conclusion

The idiom "pig's ear" can be used to describe something that has been done very badly or to advise against engaging in a particular activity. It is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of disapproval or caution.

Origin of "Pig's ear"

The origin of the idiom "pig's ear" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The expression likely comes from the idea that a pig's ear is a messy and unattractive object, and therefore, using it to describe something poorly done or discouraging makes sense. The idiom has been used in English language for many years and has become a common way to express dissatisfaction or caution. Its origins may be rooted in the agricultural practices of keeping pigs, where the ear might have been seen as a messy or unattractive part of the animal. Over time, the idiom has become a familiar part of English language, used to convey a sense of disapproval or warning.