1.
pearls before swine; wasted on someone
Something valuable given to someone who cannot appreciate its worth; offering something precious to someone who lacks the ability to understand or value it.
ORIGIN: This proverb is a direct equivalent of the English "pearls before swine," which comes from the Bible (Matthew 7:6). It was introduced to Japan and became a common Japanese expression.
USAGE: Used when something valuable or meaningful is given to or done for someone who cannot appreciate it. Can describe situations where effort, knowledge, or precious items are wasted on the wrong audience.
SIMILAR JAPANESE PROVERBS:
- 猫に小判 (gold coins to a cat) - more common in Japanese
- 馬の耳に念仏 (sutra to a horse's ears) - preaching falls on deaf ears
NOTE: While 豚に真珠 and 猫に小判 are similar, 猫に小判 is the more traditionally Japanese expression and is more commonly used.