The Dogs and the Fox – An English fairy tale from Aesop’s Fables with a podcast and a list of vocabulary and expressions to improve your listening and vocabulary
Source of story: Gutenberg Project at www.gutenberg.org
The Dogs and the Fox
Some dogs, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces with their sharp teeth.
A fox, seeing them, said, “If this lion were alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than your teeth.”
Related idiom or proverb
It is easy to kick a man that is down.
To kick a man when he’s down is to attack at the persons weakest moment. It defies the gentlemanly code of ethics, and does detract from reputation. Used literally or figuratively, it still has pretty much the same meaning.
English vocabulary and expressions
- Claw: animal’s sharp nail
- To defy: to openly resist someone or something, disobey
- Code of ethics: a system of moral principles
- To detract: to take something away, reduce, diminish
The dogs and the fox by Aesop emphasizes that we should be kind and helpful especially when others are struggling. The fox said that it is easy to criticize, take advantage of, or hurt someone who is already in a difficult situation. And, it implies that doing so is unfair or lacks compassion.
You’ve accurately captured the core message of “The Dogs and the Fox.” Aesop’s fable indeed highlights the importance of compassion and the ethical failing of exploiting vulnerability. The fox’s observation exposes the ease with which those already suffering can be further burdened, underscoring the moral imperative to offer aid rather than inflict additional harm. It’s a poignant reminder that true character is revealed not in criticism or exploitation, but in extending kindness and support to those in need.