What does “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” mean?
"If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" means if you associate with a group of people who are doing something wrong or illegal, you will face the same consequences as them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He decided to distance himself from his old friends because he didn't want to get shot with the crows.
Example
She warned him that if he continued to hang out with those troublemakers, he would eventually get shot with the crows.
Example
The police arrested everyone at the party because they believed that if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows
Is “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” 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 fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” effectively in context?
You can use "If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" to warn someone about the potential consequences of associating with a group of people who are engaged in illegal or immoral activities. For example, if a friend is spending time with a group of troublemakers, you might say, 'Be careful, if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows.'
- 1Friendship
He decided to distance himself from his old friends because he didn't want to get shot with the crows.
- 2Advice
She warned him that if he continued to hang out with those troublemakers, he would eventually get shot with the crows.
- 3Law Enforcement
The police arrested everyone at the party because they believed that if you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows.
Similar phrases to “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” come from?
The origin of the phrase "If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" is unknown.
Is “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" is not as common in everyday conversation as some other proverbs or idioms. However, it is still used occasionally to convey the idea that one's associations can have consequences.
What tone does “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” have?
"If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" conveys a tone of warning and caution. It is often used to advise someone against associating with the wrong crowd or engaging in questionable activities.
Can “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a straightforward proverb that can be easily understood by native English speakers. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to distance himself from his old friends because he didn't want to get shot with the crows.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, if you fly with the crows...' to imply the consequences of associating with the wrong crowd.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- associate with the wrong crowd, face the consequences
- choose your friends wisely, avoid trouble
- bad company corrupts good character
- walk with the wicked, stumble into trouble
Antonyms
- choose your friends wisely, avoid trouble
- good company builds good character
- walk with the righteous, find support and guidance
