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January 17, 2007
Chinese Idiom of the Day #2 : 对牛弹琴
对牛弹琴 - Dui Niu Tan Qin
Literal Meaning - Face cow, play (stringed) instrument.
Figurative meaning - Reasoning with Stubborn people or talking to the wrong audience
Western Equivalent - Presenting a pearl before a swine.
Story behind idiom:
In ancient times there was a man who played the zither very well. Once, he played a tune in front of a cow, hoping that the cow would appreciate it. The tune was melodious, but the cow showed no reaction, and just kept on eating grass. The man sighed, and went away.