What does “He that spares the bad injures the good.” mean?

"He that spares the bad injures the good" means that by allowing bad behavior to continue unchecked, one is indirectly harming those who are doing the right thing. It is important to address and correct bad behavior to create a better environment for everyone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

If you keep ignoring the bad behavior, you're indirectly harming the good ones. He that spares the bad injures the good. It's time to take action and address the issue.

Example

By turning a blind eye to the wrongdoings, you're actually hurting the ones who are doing the right thing. Remember, he that spares the bad injures the good.

Example

Don't let the bad behavior go unnoticed. Remember that he that spares the bad injures the good. It's crucial to address and correct it for the sake of everyone involved

Is “He that spares the bad injures the good.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“He that spares the bad injures the good.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “He that spares the bad injures the good.” effectively in context?

You can use "He that spares the bad injures the good" to emphasize the importance of addressing and correcting bad behavior. It highlights the indirect harm caused to those who are doing the right thing when bad behavior is allowed to continue unchecked. For example, if you notice a coworker consistently slacking off while others work hard, you might say, 'By not addressing their behavior, we're indirectly harming the good employees. Remember, he that spares the bad injures the good.'

1Workplace
If you let one team member get away with constant tardiness, it affects the morale and productivity of the entire team. Remember, he that spares the bad injures the good.
2Parenting
If you don't correct your child's bad behavior, it can negatively impact their development and the behavior of their siblings. Remember, he that spares the bad injures the good.
3Community
When community members turn a blind eye to illegal activities, it creates an unsafe environment for everyone. Remember, he that spares the bad injures the good.

Similar phrases to “He that spares the bad injures the good.”:

Turn a blind eye

To ignore or pretend not to notice something, especially wrongdoing

Example

By turning a blind eye to the corruption, the government officials were indirectly supporting it.

Let sleeping dogs lie

To avoid interfering in a situation that could cause trouble or conflict

Example

They decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the controversial topic.

Sweep under the rug

To hide or ignore a problem or issue instead of addressing it

Example

The company tried to sweep the scandal under the rug, but it eventually came to light.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “He that spares the bad injures the good.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "He that spares the bad injures the good" is unknown.

Is “He that spares the bad injures the good.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "He that spares the bad injures the good" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in written texts or formal discussions on ethics and morality.

What tone does “He that spares the bad injures the good.” have?

"He that spares the bad injures the good" conveys a tone of caution and responsibility. It serves as a reminder to take action and address bad behavior for the benefit of the overall well-being.

Can “He that spares the bad injures the good.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "He that spares the bad injures the good" is formal in nature. It is typically used in more serious or intellectual conversations, such as discussions on ethics, morality, or social responsibility.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is usually used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'By not addressing the bad behavior, we're indirectly injuring the good employees. Remember, "he that spares the bad injures the good".' However, in some cases, it can be understood even if used alone, such as saying 'Remember, "he that spares the bad injures the good".' to remind someone of the importance of addressing bad behavior.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

address the issue
correct the wrong
deal with the problem
confront bad behavior
take action against wrongdoing

Antonyms

turn a blind eye
ignore the problem
allow bad behavior
let things slide
spare the bad