“If You Hit a Dog with a Meat Bun, the Dog Eats It and You Have No Food Now”

In Mandarin, the proverb is phrased as “用肉包子打狗，有去无回” (yòng ròu bāozi dǎ gǒu, yǒu qù wú huí). This mandarin phrase translates literally to: “If you hit a dog with a meat bun, the dog eats it, and you get nothing back.” The meaning behind the proverb is that once something is given away or invested in the wrong place, it is lost with no return.

I learned this proverb from my classmate C, who heard it from a Chinese friend with whom she has a close personal relationship. Her friend explained it to her in the context of making futile efforts—situations where people put in effort, time, or resources but receive nothing in return. C told me she found it humorous and practical, often using it in conversations when she or someone she knows feels like their effort has been wasted. For example, she mentioned using the phrase when lending money to someone unlikely to repay or when trying to argue with a stubborn person who refuses to change their mind.

This proverb reflects to me, a somewhat practical, yet humorous worldview, emphasizing the importance of knowing where to invest one’s energy and resources. The image of someone literally throwing a meat bun at a dog—only for the dog to eat it—is a vivid metaphor for wasted effort. The cultural value embedded in this proverb aligns with pragmatism, a notion that is deeply ingrained and enshrined in my perception of Chinese culture and their proverbs/folk sayings. From a broader perspective, this proverb connects to universal themes of loss and strategic thinking—understanding that not all efforts are worthwhile and that being mindful of where one invests energy is crucial. It also reveals a subtle caution against generosity without foresight, a theme in many folk traditions worldwide. The humor in the phrase makes it more engaging and relatable, allowing it to be used in everyday conversations while carrying deeper wisdom.

Date of performance: 2/11/2025
Language: English
Nationality: American
Occupation: Student
Primary Language: English
Residence: Los Angeles, CA