What does “Cast pearls before swine” mean?

"Cast pearls before swine" means to waste something valuable or precious on someone who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Don't cast pearls before swine by sharing your brilliant ideas with close-minded individuals.

Example

She felt like she was casting pearls before swine when her artistic masterpiece went unnoticed by her peers.

Example

He realized he was casting pearls before swine when his thoughtful gift was met with indifference

Is “Cast pearls before swine” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Cast pearls before swine” 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 “Cast pearls before swine” effectively in context?

You can use "Cast pearls before swine" to caution someone against sharing or giving something valuable to people who are unlikely to appreciate or understand its value. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:

1Sharing Ideas
In a brainstorming session, if you notice that your colleagues are dismissive of innovative ideas, you might say, 'Let's not cast pearls before swine. It's better to save our best ideas for a more receptive audience.'
2Artistic Expression
If an artist feels that their work is not being appreciated by a particular group, they might say, 'I feel like I'm casting pearls before swine when I share my art with them. I should focus on finding an audience that truly understands and values my work.'
3Gift-giving
If someone gives a thoughtful and meaningful gift to someone who doesn't seem to appreciate it, they might say, 'I realized I was casting pearls before swine when my heartfelt gift was met with indifference. I should have chosen a more appreciative recipient.'

Similar phrases to “Cast pearls before swine”:

Throw pearls to the wind

To waste something valuable without considering the consequences

Example

He threw pearls to the wind by investing all his savings in a risky business venture.

Preaching to the choir

To try to convince someone who already agrees with you

Example

She realized she was preaching to the choir when she tried to convince her friends to support a cause they were already passionate about.

Crying over spilled milk

To be upset or regretful about something that has already happened and cannot be changed

Example

There's no point in crying over spilled milk. Let's focus on finding a solution instead.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Cast pearls before swine” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Cast pearls before swine" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in Matthew 7:6. In this verse, Jesus advises his followers not to give what is holy to dogs or cast their pearls before swine, as they will trample them under their feet and turn to attack. The phrase has since become a proverbial expression, warning against wasting something valuable on those who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.

Is “Cast pearls before swine” common in everyday conversation?

While "Cast pearls before swine" may not be as commonly used as some other proverbs or idioms, it is still recognized and understood by many English speakers. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to convey the idea of wasting something valuable on those who cannot appreciate or understand its worth.

What tone does “Cast pearls before swine” have?

"Cast pearls before swine" conveys a tone of caution and disappointment. It implies a sense of frustration or regret when something valuable is not valued or appreciated by others.

Can “Cast pearls before swine” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "cast pearls before swine" is considered formal and is more commonly used in written or spoken discourse that requires a higher level of language proficiency. It may be less frequently used in casual conversations but can still be employed effectively to convey the concept of wasting something valuable on unappreciative individuals.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "cast pearls before swine" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't "cast pearls before swine" by sharing your brilliant ideas with close-minded individuals.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "cast pearls before swine"!' to imply the act of wasting something valuable on unappreciative individuals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

waste one's breath
throw pearls before the wind
pour water into a sieve
give diamonds to monkeys
feed a stone with bread

Antonyms

give credit where credit is due
appreciate the value
recognize the worth
value the treasure
acknowledge the significance