A man may cause his own dog to bite him.

Meaning: Mistreatment of those dependent on you creates the very dangers you fear from them.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Human Nature

• A man in a passion rides a horse that runs away with him. — Uncontrolled anger clouds judgment, making you lose control over your own decisions and a…
• If you play with a fool at home, he'll play with you in the market. — Familiarity with foolish people emboldens them to embarrass you publicly.
• A man must plough with such oxen as he hath. — Work effectively with available resources rather than wasting energy wishing for better t…
• Poor folk are glad of pottage. — Those with little resources find contentment in simple sustenance rather than lamenting t…
• Poverty makes a man acquainted with strange bed-fellows. — Difficult circumstances force people to associate with those they'd normally avoid or rej…
• Pride goes before, and shame follows after. — Arrogance blinds you to consequences until failure humbles you publicly.

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…