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Interpretation
"The mountain labors and brings forth a mouse"
is a proverb that conveys the idea of great expectations resulting in
underwhelming or disappointing outcomes. Its origin can be traced back
to a Greek fable where a mountain was believed to be in labor. People
gathered around, anticipating the birth of a magnificent creature.
However, despite the mountain's prolonged groaning and commotion, it
eventually gave birth to a tiny mouse. This fable teaches the moral
lesson that it is unwise to exaggerate or make a fuss over something
that ultimately turns out to be insignificant.
The proverb continues to be used in modern contexts to describe
situations where significant effort or buildup leads to a lackluster or
even negative outcome. It may be applied to political campaigns that
promise substantial change but fail to deliver, or to hyped-up products
that turn out to be disappointments. The proverb serves as a reminder
that appearances can be deceiving and that we should not be swayed
solely by grandeur or noise. It emphasizes that even the smallest things
can have a significant impact and encourages a realistic outlook to
avoid unnecessary disappointment.
Examples illustrating the use of the proverb include a company investing
millions in an advertising campaign that yields minimal results, a
politician who fails to bring about the promised changes, or a highly
touted product that ultimately falls short of expectations. The proverb
acts as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to temper their
expectations and be mindful of the potential for unfulfilled promises or
lackluster outcomes. |
