cast pearls before swine

Idioms  

1. Give something of value of someone who won't appreciate it, as in The old professor felt that lecturing on Dante to unruly undergraduates would be casting pearls before swine. This term comes from the New Testament (Matthew 7:6), appearing in Tyndale's translation (1526). It was repeated often by writers from Shakespeare to Dickens and remains current.

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Example Sentences

Some would not rightly appreciate the value of your frankness, and never cast pearls before swine.

From Project Gutenberg

I had always made it a rule to reprove sin whenever an opportunity offered; but I soon found out what it meant to cast pearls before swine.

From Project Gutenberg

If we cast pearls before swine, my boy, we must not be surprised to find them taken for the seeds of cabbage-heads.

From Project Gutenberg

Herewith I pause, for why should I cast pearls before swine?

From Project Gutenberg

It was very difficult to make her hear, but she was taught, often amidst the roars of laughter of some nominal Christians who said to her teacher: "Why do you cast pearls before swine?"

From Project Gutenberg