If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• warning about associating with bad company
  Caution against spending time with people who have a negative influence, as it may result in negative consequences

Examples of If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

• John has been hanging out with a rough crowd lately. It seems like every time he spends time with them, he comes back with a new problem. He's starting to feel like the saying "If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas" is coming true for him.

  This idiom is used to describe the idea that if you hang out with people who have bad habits or engage in questionable behavior, you're likely to pick up those same habits or behaviors yourself. It's a warning to be careful about the company you keep.

• Sarah's been working in a pretty cutthroat industry lately, and the pressure is starting to get to her. She's been acting differently than usual, and her coworkers have noticed the change. They're worried that she's starting to become like some of the other, more aggressive people she's been working with. They're afraid that the saying "If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas" might be coming true for her.

  In this example, the idiom is being used to describe how Sarah's coworkers are worried that she's starting to adopt some of the negative traits of her more aggressive coworkers. This can happen when you spend a lot of time around people who behave in a certain way.

• Jack's been acting really strange lately, and his friends don't know what to make of it. They're not sure if he's just going through a rough patch, or if he's been hanging out with the wrong crowd. They're starting to worry that the saying "If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas" might be coming true for him.

  This example is using the idiom to describe how Jack's friends are worried that he might be starting to hang out with people who have bad influences on him. They're afraid that he might be picking up some of their negative habits or behaviors.

• Rachel's been trying to make a name for herself in her industry, and she's been working really hard to get ahead. But lately, she's been noticing that the people she's been working with are starting to get a little too competitive. She's worried that the saying "If you lie down with dogs, you'll get up with fleas" might come true for her if she continues to work with them.

  In this example, Rachel is using the idiom to express her concern that if she continues to work with people who are too competitive or aggressive, she might start to adopt those same negative traits herself. This is a warning to be careful about the people you work with, and to make sure that you're surrounding yourself with positive influences.

• Sarah often hung out with a group of rough-looking people at the local bar. She found their company entertaining, but lately, she didn't feel so comfortable around them. Last night, she had a few too many drinks and ended up passing out on their favorite couch. When she woke up this morning, she found herself covered in fleas. Sarah realized that she had violated the old adage, "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas."

  The idiom "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" means that if you associate with dishonorable or disreputable people, you will eventually be affected by their unsavory behavior or associations. In this case, Sarah's decision to spend time with a group of unsavory individuals resulted in her waking up with fleas, a clear indicator of their questionable hygiene habits. This idiom serves as a warning to avoid making compromises in one's values and character in pursuit of social or romantic relationships.

Conclusion

The idiom "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" is used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by advising against it or warning about associating with bad company. It is a cautionary phrase that emphasizes the potential negative outcomes of certain actions or associations.

One common use of this idiom is to advise someone against getting involved with individuals or activities that may have a harmful or detrimental influence. It serves as a warning to consider the potential consequences of one's choices and associations, reminding them to be mindful of the company they keep and the activities they engage in.

Overall, the idiom is often used to convey the message that one should be cautious and mindful of the potential negative consequences of their actions and associations, as they may result in undesirable outcomes.

Origin of "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas"

The origin of the idiom "If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas" can be traced back to ancient proverbs and sayings. The idea behind the idiom is that if one spends time with undesirable or negative influences, they are likely to suffer the consequences of those associations.

The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea that dogs often carry fleas, and if one lies down with them, they are likely to get fleas themselves. Over time, the idiom has been used to convey the broader message of being cautious about the company one keeps and the potential consequences of certain associations.

This idiom has been used in various cultures and languages, and its message remains relevant in cautioning against negative influences and associations. The imagery of fleas being associated with lying down with dogs serves as a powerful and memorable warning to be mindful of the potential consequences of one's choices and associations.