proverb · Words worth keeping
As the old cock crows, the young cock learns.
As the old cock crows, the young cock learns.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A young cock learning from an old cock’s crow gives example a role in learning across experience. The saying imagines a pattern received from another.
Example
Someone explains a demonstrated practice and invites questions about whether it fits the new situation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The image is not a verified animal-learning finding or proof that older people are always correct. A useful application combines modelling with explanation and checking. Learners can question what they observe, and experience need not fix who may teach whom.
When to use it
Use it to connect example with critical learning.
Keep in mind
No correctness guaranteed by age or automatic learning through imitation is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Ireland
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Ireland