Ἀθηνᾷ τὸν αἴλουρον
(to compare) the cat to Athena
Translated by Jennifer Benedict16 Feb 2000Vetting: high6 revisions
Translation
The proverb is applied to those badly equating major things with minor on account of a small similarity; as if someone were to compare the cat to Athena because of the greyness [sc. of their eyes].
Athena and Poseidon contended for Attica; look under geraiteros ["older"].1
Athena and Poseidon contended for Attica; look under geraiteros ["older"].1
Greek original · Adler’s text
Ἀθηνᾷ τὸν αἴλουρον· ἐπὶ τῶν κακῶς συγκρινόντων τὰ κρείττονα τοῖς ἥττοσι διὰ μικρὰν ὁμοιότητα ἡ παροιμία εἴρηται· ὡς εἴ τις διὰ γλαυκότητα τὸν αἴλουρον τῇ Ἀθηνᾷ συμβάλλοι. ὅτι Ἀθηνᾶ καὶ Ποσειδῶν ἐφιλονείκησαν περὶ τῆς Ἀττικῆς· ζήτει ἐν τῷ γεραίτερος.