- English translation
When someone is set on making a fool of himself, let him continue.
- Literal wording
If the monkey comes to you dancing, beat the drum for him.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying advises against exhausting yourself by resisting someone firmly attached to a foolish or mistaken course. When that person’s conduct does not affect you, opposition may accomplish nothing and may not be worth the effort.
It can also suggest giving limited help to an action someone is determined to pursue, rather than continuing futile resistance. This is not praise for the action, and its animal comparison can sound insulting or dismissive if directed at a person.
- When it is used
Said when someone persists in a misguided plan despite attempts to dissuade them and further resistance seems unlikely to change their course. Avoid applying the saying directly to a person, since its comparison to a monkey may be heard as insulting or dismissive.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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