"It's dangerous to eat cherries with great lords, because they throw the pits in your face."
What does it mean and where does it come from?
2007-05-27 02:58:44 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
I don't know who said it, but I think it means that it is dangerous to attempt to be "friends" with or be close to great lords. They are very arrogant and would embarrass you if you attempt to "eat cherries" with them showing the lords that you think that you're their equal.
2007-05-27 04:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very old proverb: before 1700, earlier in German.
Simple truth:
Mit grossen Herren ist nicht gut Kirschen essen, / sie schiessen gern mit Steinen zu, / und werffen die Stiele einem an den Kopf.
(Gr¨¹ter 59. Prov. Alman [1601¨C1603]: Minakata 190)
"One should not eat cherries with great men," Brahms once wrote in a letter to Richard Wagner, and what he meant by the German proverb was, "I know I shouldn't tangle with powerful people
anglais
Those that eat cherries with great persons shall have their eyes sprinted out with the stones.
(J. Ray. A Collection of Engl. Prov. [1670]: Minakata 190)
That simple especially in the 16th century.....
2007-05-28 00:29:25 · answer #2 · answered by cruisingyeti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll hazard a guess.
The rich can get away with breaking rules that the common man cannot.
If a rich man spits in your face, you have to live with it. If you spit in his, he'll ruin you.
2007-05-27 10:08:13 · answer #3 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋