
ProverbCommunication
English origin
Give a dog a bone in his mouth, and you may kick him and he can't bite.
Meaning: A person preoccupied with satisfying their immediate desires loses the ability to resist or retaliate against mistreatment.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Peau de vache A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.
- Eres un aguafiestas You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
- ¡Qué cara más dura! You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.
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