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