Origin & meaning of proverb

[drochit]

The fox knows many tricks but the hedgehog one great one. What is the origin of this proverb and what is the hedgehogs one great trick ?

[Quizmonster]

The Dutch philosopher, Erasmus (1465 - 1536) seems to have been the first to use this saying in print, having written it - in Latin, as 'Multa novit vulpes, verum echinus unum magnum' - in his 'Adagia'. 'Adagia', of course, means 'Adages' or 'Proverbs', so it was obviously around in speech for some time before he committed it to paper.

Presumably, the hedgehog's solitary great trick is the ability to roll itself up into an impenetrable ball. That's all it needs to protect itself, rather than running and hiding, as foxes must.

[jellybaby22]

Jorton that's not a nice thing to say about anyone especially Quizmonster who is always polite, very helpful and informative.
I note that your own postings of late are all very derogatory and also that your questions relating to kippers were hardly of the most intelligent kind.
I hope that neither Quizmonster nor anyone else will be too offended by your postings.

[jorton]

It wasn't about Quizmonster, it was about drochit

[Quizmonster]

Thanks, Jelly-B, for your kind comments and the attempt to protect an old codger's 'reputation'. If Jorton has some sort of 'thing' against Drochit, I'm sure the latter will respond appropriately. I suspect, though, that the comment may have been in jest re the current plethora of 'hedgehog' questions throughout AnswerBank. Cheers

[jorton]

You are absolutely correct Quizmonster - and my immatute responses have all been chopped by the editor. Quite right too I say!