What is the meaning of the phrase 'Pearls before swine'?
by 
Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger
ANSWERS: 9
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Pearls before swine Meaning: Items of quality offered to those who aren't cultured enough to appreciate them. Origin: From the Bible, Matthew 7:6 (King James Version): "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet." Source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/280300.html +5
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It mean's do not give/tell uncultured people things they will not appreciate. For e.g. "Don't quote Shakespeare when you're around a bunch of high school drop-outs"
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I was always taught that the phrase "don't cast pearls before swine" meant not to reveal too much about yourself to those who would use it against you, and not to share precious information or belongings with people who will not properly care for them.
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Handing something of value over to a person who has no gratitude or idea of how to value the gift.
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You don't give something of great value to someone who won't value it and will ruin it. It may not have originated with Jesus, but he certainly used the phrase, as it recorded in 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, and turn again and rend you.
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Pigs eat slop...why waste pearls on them?
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no, no, no, everybody's wrong but me!!!! "don't cast pearls before swine" means that you shouldn't throw pearls in front of pigs because they'll eat them, excrete them, and then, if you're desperate enough to sift through the feces to find your pearls, you're likely to contract swine flu!!! see, napoleon and "animal farm" will rise again! :)
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don't watse your time and talents on people who can't/won't appreciate it. unfortunately many people in positions of authority behave as the swine.
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The full phrase is "casting pearls before swine" meaning to waste something valuable on one who does not appreciate it. +5
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