Brag's a good dog, but that he hath lost his tail.

Meaning: Boasting loses you the respect that makes bragging worthwhile in the first place.

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

More proverbs about Morality

Brag's a good dog if he be well set on; but he dare not bite. — Empty boasting lacks substance—confidence unsupported by real ability cannot sustain itse…
Business is the salt of life. — Commerce and productive work preserve society's vitality, preventing the staleness and de…
A bad bush is better than the open field. — Imperfect shelter still protects you better than standing completely exposed to danger.
A child may have too much of his mother's blessing. — Excessive maternal indulgence weakens a child's resilience and capacity for independent g…
Tis the clerk makes the justice. — A skilled administrator or clerk can effectively shape legal outcomes through their knowl…
A merry companion on the road is as good as a nag. — Good company during tedious travel makes the journey feel shorter and less burdensome.

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