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Region: General | Usage example: Sharing art critiques with the uninterested team felt like pearls before swine.

Pearls before swine

Meaning

Offer something precious to someone who cannot appreciate it.

Usage

Used when cautioning about wasted efforts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Biblical warning against wasting gifts.

Derived from Matthew 7:6.

Related Idioms

Calm before the storm

A peaceful period preceding chaos.

Put the cart before the horse

Do things in the wrong order.

Look before you leap

Think carefully before acting

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.