proverb · Words worth keeping
A man may cause his own dog to bite him.
A man may cause his own dog to bite him.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A person can provoke a harmful response from something or someone previously familiar and trusted. The dog image directs attention to one’s own contribution to conflict.
Example
A manager realises that repeatedly ignoring reasonable concerns has contributed to a breakdown of cooperation.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying gives the owner a role in the bite rather than treating the animal’s response as inexplicable. As a metaphor, it can encourage examining whether pressure, neglect or unfair treatment has damaged trust. It should not become a rule that an injured person caused the harm done to them. Responsibility depends on the actual conduct of everyone involved. The useful question is what part of a particular interaction one can acknowledge and change.
When to use it
Use it to examine one’s own avoidable contribution to a conflict.
Keep in mind
This is not animal-handling advice, and it must not be used to blame victims for abuse.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English