[Lexicog] "lamb" as a metaphor

[Hayim Sheynin]

>>In Croatian... the proverb, literally
translated to english it would be "a meek lamb sucks
two teats", meaning - playing both sides, flattery
will get you everywhere.<<

It is very interesting, because the Russian textual parallel
"Laskovoje telja dvux matok sosjot"
(Affectionate calf suckles two mothers)
uses not the lamb, but the calf,
and the interpretation of this is quite different.
It praises the kind relation of a person not only
to his mother, but also to other people having in
mind that he can derive a lot of benefits as a prize
for this behavior.

Hayim Sheynin

-----Original Message-----
From: dtatjana [mailto:dtatjana_68 at yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 9:57 AM
To: lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Lexicog] "lamb" as a metaphor

In most languages associations are probably much
alike. In Croatian, a lamb is a metaphor for an
inocent person and for a gentle one. Also the word can
be used as a part of gnomes and proverbs. For
instance, sacrificial lamb, which is already mentioned
here. I can now remember the proverb, literally
translated to english it would be "a meek lamb sucks
two teats", meaning - playing both sides, flattery
will get you everywhere.

Tatjana

--- Fritz Goerling <Fritz_Goerling at sil.org> wrote:

---------------------------------
What is associated with the image "lamb" when
predicated of a person
in your language (not only English?
I can only think of "pious as a lamb" (lammfromm) in
German.
To my knowledge in English you can say "as innocent as
a lamb"
or "as docile/quiet/obedient as a lamb". And it can be
used with reference to someone who you are fond of and
who
is gentle and lovable.

Fritz Goerling





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