- English translation
They spit in a vile man's face, and he says, “It is rain.”
- Literal wording
They spat on the contemptible man's face; he said, “This is rain.”
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb portrays someone subjected to an overtly insulting act who calls it rain. Its force lies in the glaring mismatch between what others have done and the harmless account he gives of it.
It derides a person who lets contempt pass without protest and presents an affront as though it were no insult. Its degrading imagery conveys strong contempt and should not be read as endorsing the insult.
- When it is used
Used mockingly of someone who is openly slighted yet responds as if the insult were insignificant. Because the image is harsh and humiliating, it is a severe expression for criticizing perceived acceptance of degradation.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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