"Khrushchev reminds me of the tiger hunter who has picked a place on the wall to hang the tiger's skin long before he has caught the tiger. This tiger has other ideas"

This quote by John F. Kennedy is a metaphor for the Cold War and the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Kennedy is comparing Khrushchev to a tiger hunter who is extremely positive in his ability to catch the tiger. Kennedy is alerting that Khrushchev may be undervaluing the power of the United States and the West. Kennedy is suggesting that Khrushchev is too eager to declare success prior to the battle is even combated. Kennedy is cautioning that Khrushchev needs to not be so quick to presume that the Cold War will end in his favor. Kennedy is suggesting that the United States and the West will not be so easily beat which Khrushchev ought to be prepared for a long and tough battle. Kennedy's quote is a warning to Khrushchev that the Cold War will not be won so easily and that he must not be so quick to state triumph.