Zenobius 4.100
The wolf dances around the well
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English
Proverb
The wolf dances around the well
Explanation
proverb of those busying themselves about something in vain. For the wolf, when thirsty, goes round and round, unable to drink, and circles the well to no purpose. And when he is chasing something, if his prey falls into a well, he then circles the well achieving nothing.
Greek
Proverb
Λύκος περὶ φρέαρ χορεύει
Explanation
παροιμία ἐπὶ τῶν ἀσχολουμένων περί τι μάτην. Καὶ γὰρ ὁ λύκος ἄπρακτος περίεισιν, ὅταν διψήσῃ, μὴ δυνάμενος δὲ πιεῖν, τὸ φρέαρ περιέρχεται. Ἀλλὰ καὶ διώκοντος αὐτοῦ τὶ, ἐὰν τὸ διωκόμενον ἐμπέσῃ εἰς φρέαρ, περίεισι καὶ τηνικαῦτα τὸ φρέαρ μηδὲν ἀνύων.
urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0098.tlg001.1st1K-grc1:4.100