What does “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” mean?

"He that lives with cripples learns to limp" means that someone who spends time with people who have negative attitudes or behaviors is likely to adopt similar attitudes or behaviors themselves. It implies that we are influenced by our environment and the people around us.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

Be careful who you surround yourself with, as he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Negative influences can have a lasting impact on your mindset.

Example

It's important to choose your friends wisely, as he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with positive and motivated individuals.

Example

Remember that he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, rather than bring you down

Is “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” 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 lives with cripples learns to limp.” effectively in context?

You can use "He that lives with cripples learns to limp" to emphasize the importance of choosing positive influences in your life. It suggests that the people we spend time with can have a significant impact on our attitudes and behaviors. For example, if a friend is considering spending time with a group of people who engage in negative behaviors, you might say, 'Be careful who you surround yourself with, as he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Negative influences can have a lasting impact on your mindset.'

1Friendship
It's important to choose your friends wisely, as he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with positive and motivated individuals.
It's important to choose your friends wisely, as he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with positive and motivated individuals.
2Personal Development
Remember that he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, rather than bring you down.
Remember that he that lives with cripples learns to limp. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you, rather than bring you down.
3Self-Improvement
To cultivate a positive mindset, it's essential to avoid negative influences. As the proverb says, he that lives with cripples learns to limp.
To cultivate a positive mindset, it's essential to avoid negative influences. As the proverb says, he that lives with cripples learns to limp.

Similar phrases to “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.”:

Birds of a feather flock together

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

Example

She joined a photography club because she believed in the saying 'Birds of a feather flock together.'

You are the company you keep

Your character and behavior are influenced by the people you spend time with.

Example

Her parents always reminded her that 'You are the company you keep,' encouraging her to choose her friends wisely.

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

Your future prospects and success can be predicted based on the people you associate with.

Example

Her mentor often told her, 'Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future,' emphasizing the importance of surrounding herself with ambitious and driven individuals.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "He that lives with cripples learns to limp" is unknown.

Is “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "He that lives with cripples learns to limp" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in literature or used as a metaphorical expression to convey the idea of being influenced by one's environment.

What tone does “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” have?

"He that lives with cripples learns to limp" conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of the people we choose to surround ourselves with and the impact they can have on our attitudes and behaviors.

Can “He that lives with cripples learns to limp.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "He that lives with cripples learns to limp" is more formal in nature. It is not typically used in casual conversations but may be used in more serious discussions or when discussing personal development.

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, 'Be careful who you surround yourself with, as "he that lives with cripples learns to limp".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"He that lives with cripples learns to limp"' to imply the importance of choosing positive influences.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

you become who you hang out with
choose your friends wisely
surround yourself with positive influences
influence shapes character
association breeds similarity

Antonyms

one bad apple doesn't spoil the whole bunch
not everyone is influenced by their surroundings
individuality triumphs over influence
you are not defined by the company you keep
character is independent of association