He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas

He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas

The proverb "He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas" is a cautionary tale that warns against associating with those who have negative or harmful qualities. The imagery of lying down with dogs, who are often seen as dirty and unclean animals, and then rising up with fleas, which are parasitic insects that feed on blood, serves as a metaphor for the negative consequences that can arise from being in close proximity to those who have bad intentions or behaviors.

This proverb can be interpreted in a variety of ways, but at its core, it emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the company we keep and the influence that others can have on our own well-being. Just as lying down with dogs can result in picking up fleas, associating with people who engage in dishonest, unethical, or harmful behavior can lead to negative consequences for ourselves.