ProverbMoralityGerman origin

Getroffene Hunde bellen

Meaning: Whoever reacts most loudly to a criticism shows it was aimed at the right person.

Literally: Dogs that have been hit are the ones that bark

Example: “Ich habe niemanden beim Namen genannt, aber er hat sich sofort beschwert. Getroffene Hunde bellen.” — I didn't name anyone, but he complained straight away: if the shoe fits, wear it.

Equivalents in English, French, Spanish, and Dutch

  • English: If the shoe fits, wear it
  • French: Qui se sent morveux, qu'il se mouche (literally: Whoever feels snotty should blow his nose)
  • Spanish: Al que le quede el guante, que se lo ponga (literally: Whoever the glove fits, put it on)
  • Dutch: Wie de schoen past, trekke hem aan (literally: Whom the shoe fits, let him put it on)

Origin: Throw a stone into a pack of dogs and the one that yelps is the one it hit.

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  • Gift Actually means 'poison'. A present is ein Geschenk.

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