What does “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” mean?

"Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl" means that people are influenced by the company they keep. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and avoiding negative influences.

What context can I use the in?

Example

If you spend all your time with negative people, those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl. It's important to surround yourself with positive influences.

Example

She used to be such a kind person, but ever since she started hanging out with those troublemakers, those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.

Example

Parents often warn their children about the dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd, reminding them that *those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.

Is “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” 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 “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” effectively in context?

You can use "Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." to emphasize the influence of one's companions on their behavior and character. It warns against associating with negative influences and encourages surrounding oneself with positive influences. For example, if a friend is spending time with a group of people who engage in risky behavior, you might say, 'Be careful who you hang out with. Remember, "those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl."'

1Friendship
She used to be such a kind person, but ever since she started hanging out with those troublemakers, those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.
2Parenting
Parents often warn their children about the dangers of hanging out with the wrong crowd, reminding them that those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.
3Self-improvement
If you spend all your time with negative people, those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl. It's important to surround yourself with positive influences.

Similar phrases to “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.”:

Birds of a feather flock together

People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.

Example

They were both artists, so it's no surprise they became friends. Birds of a feather flock together.

You are the company you keep

A person's character is influenced by the people they associate with.

Example

He started hanging out with successful entrepreneurs, and now he's become one himself. You are the company you keep.

Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future

A person's future can be predicted based on the type of people they associate with.

Example

She surrounds herself with ambitious and motivated individuals. Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." is unknown.

Is “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in writing or when discussing the influence of one's environment on their behavior.

What tone does “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” have?

"Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a warning about the potential negative effects of associating with the wrong people.

Can “Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." is relatively formal. It is more likely to be used in written communication or in serious conversations rather than casual or informal settings.

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

The phrase "Those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl." is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "those who keep company with the wolf, will learn to howl."' to imply the importance of choosing one's companions wisely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

you become who you hang out with
choose your friends wisely
influence shapes character
your environment shapes you
association breeds similarity

Antonyms

don't judge a book by its cover
one bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch
not all that glitters is gold
appearances can be deceiving
it's what's on the inside that counts