proverb · Legacy record
The chicken also knows when it’s morning, but still watches the mouth of the cock.
The chicken also knows when it’s morning, but still watches the mouth of the cock.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The chicken that knows morning yet watches the cock pictures seeking confirmation for something already recognised. It contrasts one’s own knowledge with reliance on another signal.
What the words are saying
The supplied gloss generalises the scene to people waiting for confirmation. A qualified interpretation can examine unnecessary dependence while recognising that checking evidence is often useful. No animal-behaviour rule or judgment about whose voice deserves authority is established by the image.
Everyday example
Someone considers whether they need another reminder for an agreed fact or whether confirmation would genuinely add useful evidence.
When to use it
Use it to examine the purpose of seeking confirmation.
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What it does not mean
Independent judgment is not always sufficient, and no universal animal behaviour or authority hierarchy is proved.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 850; PDF page 120
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.