What does “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” mean?
"If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" means if you spend time with bad people, you will be influenced by their behavior and may face negative consequences.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I warned him that if he continues to hang out with those troublemakers, he'll get up with fleas.
Example
She learned the hard way that if you lie down with dogs, you'll end up with fleas.
Example
He should have known better than to associate himself with that crowd. If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas
Is “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” 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 lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” effectively in context?
You can use "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" to warn someone about the potential negative consequences of associating with bad influences. For example, if a friend is spending time with a group of troublemakers, you might say, 'Be careful who you hang out with. If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.'
- 1Friendship
I warned him that if he continues to hang out with those troublemakers, he'll get up with fleas.
- 2Personal Experience
She learned the hard way that if you lie down with dogs, you'll end up with fleas.
- 3Judgment
He should have known better than to associate himself with that crowd. If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas.
Similar phrases to “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” come from?
The origin of the phrase "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" is unknown.
Is “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to caution against negative influences and the potential consequences of associating with the wrong people.
What tone does “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” have?
"If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" conveys a tone of warning and advice. It is used to emphasize the importance of choosing one's company wisely and avoiding negative influences.
Can “If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that conveys a valuable life lesson. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or written communication.
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, 'She should be careful who she hangs out with. If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, if you lie down with dogs...' to imply the potential consequences of bad company.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- bad company corrupts good character
- associate with the wise and become wise
- choose your friends carefully
- avoid the company of troublemakers
- surround yourself with positive influences
Antonyms
- choose your friends wisely
- surround yourself with good company
- associate with positive influences
- avoid the company of negative people
- stay away from troublemakers
