Pearls before swine

Meaning

Offer something precious to someone who cannot appreciate it.

Usage

Used when cautioning about wasted efforts.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Biblical warning against wasting gifts.

Derived from Matthew 7:6.