many a good cow has a bad calf

Definition & Meaning of "many a good cow has a bad calf"in English

many a good cow has a bad calf
01

used to emphasize that even a successful and capable individual can produce an offspring or product that is inferior or unsuccessful

ProverbProverb

What is the origin of the proverb "many a good cow has a bad calf" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "many a good cow has a bad calf" is believed to come from rural life and farming traditions, where it was common to observe that even the best animals can produce less desirable offspring. The saying suggests that good or skilled people do not always produce equally good or skilled children or products, highlighting the unpredictability of inheritance and individual development. Over time, the proverb has been used to convey the idea that a person's qualities or abilities may not always be reflected in their children or creations, despite their best efforts.

example
Examples
The chef was known for her delicious dishes, but even she had a few failed experiments, showing that many a good cow has a bad calf.
The parents were both highly successful doctors, but their son struggled in medical school, proving that many a good cow has a bad calf.
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