Pearls before the swine
Posted by ESC on May 25, 2005
In Reply to: Pearls before the swine posted by David FG on May 24, 2005
: : What does "I will not cast pearls before the swine" mean?
:
: It means that something precious should not be wasted on those who are incapable of appreciating its value.
: An example might be that one wouldn't use a subtle and sophisticated piece of reasoning on someone who couldn't understand it.
: Its origins are Biblical (I think) and are something like 'Cast not your pearls before swine'.
: DFG
From the Phrase Dictionary on this site:
Meaning
Items of quality offered to those who aren't cultured enough to appreciate them.
Origin
From the Bible - 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.