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?