Would like to know the meaning of "Carved out of stone" in this story,thanks teachers

[Help Wanted]

Hi teachers,

I've got a story but I don't understand the underlying meaning. Would you be able to explain and share your views about this story? Thanks soooo much.


Once upon a time in China, there was a man who helped train chickens (to fight). He was, at the time, helping a rich man to train his chickens. The training had only begun for about a fortnight when the rich man's servant came and asked about the training.
"Oh! The chickens can strike a fierce pose now, but there's something missing." He told the servant. Another fortnight later, the servant came again. THis time he came just at the right time.
Yes, they are really fierce now. Once they walk into the arena, they will strike a really fierce pose, and once the enemy comes, they will be scared of your chickens, as from a distance, your chickens will look as if they were carved out of stone!" The man exclaimed.

What do you think of this story? Any underlying meaning in it? Thanks soooo much for advising, teachers

[asesh]

First of all chickens don't fight. It is cock fight (hen male). Not only in China, it is very common in India also. In this game of cock fight, it is the claws which is used by cock to hit the other cock. The fight goes on till one dies. In this attacking game, usually the beaks and nails are used as weapons. 'Carved out of stone' means that these weapons are so sharp and strong that they are made out of stone. Naturally in those period metals are more rare. Stone age story and these cock fights were prevalent then also.

Now teachers please comment.
Asesh

[hobbes]

Firstly, Help Wanted, has his story been translated from another language as very often idioms do not translate directly between cultures.

The typical meaning of "carved in stone" refers to the Ten Commandments. These were laws which cannot be broken, and will remain unchanged forever. Carving in stone would last, "written in pencil" would not imply the same level of permanency.

As for chickens 'carved in stone', I can only assume they would appear as impressive as statues, and indestructable.