Every Cock Fights Best on Its Own Dunghill – अपने घर में सब शेर

The idiom “Every cock fights best on its own dunghill” means:
People feel most confident and strong in familiar surroundings (लोग अपनी जानी-पहचानी जगह पर सबसे ज़्यादा आत्मविश्वास में होते हैं)
Everyone performs better in their comfort zone (हर कोई अपने आरामदायक माहौल में बेहतर प्रदर्शन करता है)
It’s easy to act bold or powerful at home or in familiar territory (घर या अपनी जगह पर बहादुरी दिखाना आसान होता है)

This expression compares a cock (rooster) being strongest on its own turf — its own dunghill — just as people are often more dominant and secure in their own environment.

Hindi Equivalent:
“अपने घर में सब शेर” (Everyone’s a lion in their own house)
“अपनी गली में कुत्ता भी शेर होता है” (Even a dog is a lion in its own lane)
“घर की मुर्गी दाल बराबर” (A variation on home familiarity, though slightly different in meaning)

Detailed Explanation
This idiom is used to describe:
People who act brave or bossy only in their own area
Overconfidence due to familiar surroundings
Lack of similar confidence when away from home

Common contexts: Office politics, local leaders, family dynamics, debates where someone dominates only on familiar ground

Real-Life Examples

Local Hero
English: “He talks tough in his hometown, but becomes quiet outside. Every cock fights best on its own dunghill.”
Hindi: “वो अपने गाँव में तो बहुत तेज़ बोलता है, लेकिन बाहर चुप हो जाता है। अपने घर में सब शेर।”

Workplace Confidence
English: “She’s very confident in her own department, but avoids speaking in company-wide meetings — every cock fights best on its own dunghill.”
Hindi: “वो अपने डिपार्टमेंट में बहुत आत्मविश्वास से बोलती है, लेकिन पूरी कंपनी की मीटिंग में नहीं। अपने घर में सब शेर।”

Debate Scenario
English: “He dominated the discussion at his club, but struggled at the national level. Every cock fights best on its own dunghill.”
Hindi: “अपने क्लब में उसने पूरी बहस जीत ली, लेकिन राष्ट्रीय मंच पर कुछ नहीं कर पाया। अपने घर में सब शेर।”

Psychological & Social Insight

Why This Phrase Matters:
✓ Highlights human nature to draw strength from familiarity
✓ Reminds us to be humble about confidence gained in limited environments
✓ Shows the contrast between local dominance and broader performance

When to Use This Phrase:
When someone is being overconfident only in their comfort zone
In humorous or insightful commentary
To reflect on personal or others’ situational boldness

Usage Tips
Use with a slightly humorous or ironic tone
Be careful not to offend — it can sound like mockery if used harshly
Often used in debates, storytelling, or casual analysis

Similar Expressions

English	Hindi
“King of his castle”	“अपने घर का राजा”
“A lion at home, a mouse outside”	“घर में शेर, बाहर चूहे जैसा”
“Bold in the backyard”	“अपनी जगह पर ही बहादुर”

Cultural Perspectives
Western View: Used to describe people who perform well only on their own turf — in sports, politics, or local leadership
Indian Context: Often used in rural and urban conversations to point out overconfidence based on territory
Global Relevance: The idea of comfort zones and situational boldness is recognized across cultures

Reflection Questions:

• Do you know someone who is brave only in familiar settings?
• How do you behave when you step outside your comfort zone?
• Is confidence more about ability or environment?