What does “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” mean?
"A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" means that a person can be brave or confident when they are in familiar surroundings or on their home turf. The proverb suggests that familiarity breeds confidence and courage.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may seem timid in unfamiliar situations, but a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He becomes a completely different person when he's in his comfort zone.
Example
She's always so shy and reserved at school, but when she's performing on stage, a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. She's full of confidence and charisma.
Example
He's not the most outgoing person, but put him in front of a computer and a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He's a tech genius and knows exactly what he's doing
Is “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” effectively in context?
You can use "A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" to describe someone who is brave or confident in familiar surroundings or on their home turf. It emphasizes the idea that familiarity breeds confidence and courage. For example, if you have a friend who is shy in social situations but becomes outgoing and confident when playing their favorite sport, you could say, 'It's amazing how a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He's a completely different person on the field.'
- 1Social Settings
He may seem timid in unfamiliar situations, but a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He becomes a completely different person when he's in his comfort zone.
- 2Performing Arts
She's always so shy and reserved at school, but when she's performing on stage, a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. She's full of confidence and charisma.
- 3Expertise
He's not the most outgoing person, but put him in front of a computer and a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He's a tech genius and knows exactly what he's doing.
Similar phrases to “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" is unknown.
Is “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is an older proverb that may not be familiar to everyone, especially non-native English speakers.
What tone does “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” have?
"A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" conveys a tone of admiration and recognition for someone's ability to be brave and confident in familiar surroundings. It acknowledges the power of familiarity and its impact on one's confidence.
Can “A cock is valiant on his own dunghill.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A cock is valiant on his own dunghill" is more formal in nature due to its proverbial nature. It may be more commonly used in written or formal contexts, such as literature or speeches.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He may seem timid in unfamiliar situations, but a cock is valiant on his own dunghill. He becomes a completely different person when he's in his comfort zone.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to be a cock on your own dunghill!' to imply confidence in a familiar situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- confidence comes from familiarity
- familiarity breeds bravery
- comfort brings courage
- one is bold on their own ground
- a person is brave in their own domain
Antonyms
- unfamiliarity breeds fear
- out of one's comfort zone
- timidity in familiar surroundings
- lack of confidence in one's own domain
- fear outside of one's comfort zone
