proverb · Words worth keeping
After the hyena has gone, the dog barks.
After the hyena has gone, the dog barks.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A dog barking after a hyena leaves contrasts a bold display with the absence of its apparent challenge. The saying questions courage performed only when the risk has passed.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading does not make fear shameful or require confrontation with danger. A qualified application can examine a boast without treating delayed speech as always hollow; someone may need safety before raising a concern. The animal image supplies no handling or combat method.
Everyday example
A reader distinguishes an unsupported boast from a person finally able to report a concern safely.
When to use it
Use it to question empty display while respecting safe disclosure.
What it does not mean
No duty to confront danger or cowardice from delayed reporting is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 555; PDF page 52; collection label: Assyria/Ethiopia
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Assyria/Ethiopia