Proverb

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A noble will not dog-paddle even when drowning.

β€” Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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What does this proverb mean?

Concern for appearances can become absurd when it prevents practical action.

Sources and attribution

Unattributed Traditional proverb; individual author and earliest use unknown.

Source: National Institute of Korean Language β€” Korean Basic Dictionary , Korean Basic Dictionary, proverb: μ–‘λ°˜μ€ 물에 빠져도 κ°œν—€μ—„μ€ μ•ˆ ν•œλ‹€

Origin: Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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Traditional Korean saying. English rendering and explanation by Quotations; not copied from the dictionary’s definitions. The reference documents usage, not first authorship.

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