Cast pearls before swine Meaning in English

expression

US

KAST PERLZ bee-FOR SWINE

UK

KAHST PERLZ bif-AW SWINE

Definition

To give something valuable to people who do not appreciate or understand its worth.

Usage & Nuances

This is a Biblical proverb, often used in formal or literary contexts. It criticizes giving time, effort, or gifts to people who cannot appreciate them. Not used for material value only; often about ideas, art, or advice. Common in moral discussions.

• Spanish: echar perlas a los cerdos
• Portuguese (BR): atirar pérolas aos porcos
• Portuguese (PT): deitar pérolas a porcos
• Chinese (Simplified): 对牛弹琴
• Chinese (Traditional): 對牛彈琴
• Hindi: मूर्खों के आगे मोती बिखेरना
• Arabic: إلقاء اللؤلؤ أمام الخنازير
• Bengali: শূকরের সামনে মুক্তো ছড়ানো
• Russian: метать бисер перед свиньями
• Japanese: 豚に真珠を投げ与える
• Vietnamese: ném ngọc trai cho lợn
• Korean: 돼지 앞에 진주를 던지다
• Turkish: domuza inci atmak
• Urdu: سوروں کے آگے موتی ڈالنا
• Indonesian: membuang mutiara di depan babi

Example Sentences

Giving your best advice to someone who never listens is like casting pearls before swine.

basic

Explaining art history to children may feel like casting pearls before swine.

basic

Some say sharing deep poetry with critics is like casting pearls before swine.

basic

Honestly, talking about philosophy at this party feels like casting pearls before swine.

natural

Don't waste your energy arguing with him—it's just casting pearls before swine.

natural

I tried to share my creative ideas at work, but it felt like casting pearls before swine.

natural