The dogs bark (was Re: spreading democracy (was: Bush budget< etc>))

From: BillK (bill@wkidston.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: Wed Feb 19 2003 - 09:49:15 MST

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    This phrase is so common now that it can be found on ClichéSite.com.
    http://www.clichesite.com/index.asp
    Cliché: Dogs bark, but the caravan moves on
    Country: Saudi Arabia

    Most sources say it is an old Arab or Oriental proverb. It has been
    claimed also as North African, Moroccan, Lebanese, Kurdish, Persian,
    Turkish, Russian, Balkan, Creole!?, English (late 19thC). I think the
    only safe claim is that originally it came from a country that had
    caravans passing through! It is now in widespread use throughout the
    world, both in ordinary speech and in writings by many authors.

    Some claim it for the Lebanese poet, philosopher and artist, Khalil
    Gibran (1883-1931).
    Others claim it for the Algerian writer Kateb Yassin or Yacine
    (1929-1989).
    But my feeling is that the saying is older than both of them. They both
    wrote mostly in French so it would be the well-known French proverb,
    'Les chiens aboient, la caravane passe.'

    Turkish: It urur, kervan yurur. -(Dogs bark, but the caravan goes on.)

    The meaning is much the same in all countries:
    Illustrates the situation where many minor characters may be vocal and
    loud, but the main idea or project will continue to progress.
    He who is sure of his way does not let himself be diverted by the
    noisiest disapproval.
    Often used to put down someone's efforts or words, meaning that it
    won't have any effect on the outcome. In this sense it is regarded as a
    rude but effective expression.

    Interesting search, though.

    BillK

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