Чья бы корова мычала...
Is this expression said sarcastically, with "чья" alluding to "твоя"?
Whose cow would be mooing/complaining? Don't tell me it's yours (of all people/cows who should be mooing/complaining).
asked Jul 28, 2018 at 11:26
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4The full sentence is "чья бы корова мычала, а твоя (лучше бы) молчала".– AbakanJul 28, 2018 at 11:50
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4The meaning is "you aren't the right person to judge ", so stop it– V.V.Jul 28, 2018 at 12:54
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2 Answers
On occasion, the saying is often used in that incomplete form, but the speaker also refers to its second part:
Чья бы корова мычала, а твоя бы молчала.
Literally, it wouldn't be such a surprise to hear that moo in criticism from somebody else's cow, but yours should be silent.
The sense: it's strange to hear that criticism from a person, definitely doing what they criticize. The sarcasm of the saying is a bit rude, but it is OK to use it within a circle of friends, closest co-workers or family members.
answered Jul 28, 2018 at 12:27
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Hi. So is the interpretation "Whose cow would be mooing/complaining? {sarcastically}" good enough? Jul 28, 2018 at 12:29
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2Better don't use it even with your friends and/or family. Alex_ander underestimates its rudeness, I think. Not vulgar, but rude/condescending. Jul 29, 2018 at 13:24
Another English equivalent would be
Look who's talking
A synonymous expression in Russian would be
Кто б(ы) (уже) говорил? (но только не ты)consistently ommitted
Both expressions can be addressing some 3d person whose words have been retold, not necessarily the immediate interlocutor.
answered Jul 28, 2018 at 13:06
