What does “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” mean?

"If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" means if you can't keep up with the more experienced or skilled people, it's best to not get involved and stay in a safer or more comfortable place.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He tried to join the advanced class, but quickly realized he couldn't keep up. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.

Example

She was invited to join the professional team, but decided to decline. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.

Example

He attempted to compete with the top athletes, but ended up getting injured. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch

Is “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” 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 “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” effectively in context?

You can use "If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" to convey the idea that if someone is unable to keep up with more experienced or skilled individuals, it's best for them to not get involved and stay in a safer or more comfortable place. For example, if a friend wants to join a competitive sports team but lacks the necessary skills, you might advise them, 'If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.'

1Sports
He tried to join the advanced class, but quickly realized he couldn't keep up. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.
2Career
She was invited to join the professional team, but decided to decline. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.
3Competition
He attempted to compete with the top athletes, but ended up getting injured. If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch.

Similar phrases to “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch”:

Know your place

To be aware of one's abilities and limitations and act accordingly

Example

He thought he could challenge the champion, but he quickly learned to know his place.

Stay in your lane

To focus on one's own area of expertise or responsibility

Example

She tried to give advice on a topic she knew nothing about, but was told to stay in her lane.

Don't bite off more than you can chew

To not take on more than one can handle

Example

He took on multiple projects at once and ended up overwhelmed. He realized he had bitten off more than he could chew.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” come from?

The origin of the phrase "If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" is unknown.

Is “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" is not as common as some other proverbs, but it is still recognizable and used in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize the importance of having the necessary skills or experience to participate in certain activities or situations.

What tone does “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” have?

"If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" conveys a tone of caution and realism. It suggests that it's important to be aware of one's limitations and not overestimate one's abilities.

Can “If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "If you can't run with the big dogs, you'd better stay on the porch" is relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. It may not be as appropriate in very formal or professional settings.

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

The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He realized he couldn't keep up with the advanced class, so he decided that if he can't run with the big dogs, he'd better stay on the porch.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like you can't run with the big dogs, better stay on the porch!' to imply that someone is not able to keep up with others.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

know your limits
stay within your capabilities
recognize your boundaries
don't overreach
be realistic about your abilities

Antonyms

take risks
challenge yourself
step out of your comfort zone
push your limits
embrace new challenges