
ProverbPerseverance
Japanese origin
The cat that always cries catches no mice
Meaning: Complaining and making noise accomplishes nothing; quiet, focused effort gets results.
Origin: A Japanese proverb, naku neko wa nezumi o toranu (鳴く猫は鼠を捕らぬ): a cat that meows a lot doesn't catch mice. It is said of people who talk a great deal but get little done, much like the English "empty vessels make the most sound."
Equivalents in Japanese
Japanese: 鳴く猫は鼠をとらぬ (Naku neko wa nezumi wo toranu) (literally: A meowing cat catches no mice)
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