qui s'y frotte s'y pique

/ki si fʁɔt s‿i pik/◆proverb
those who meddle get hurt

Ne t'approche pas de cette affaire, qui s'y frotte s'y pique.

Don't get involved in this matter; those who meddle get hurt.

◆ What It Really Means
A warning that interfering in certain situations will lead to trouble or harm.
Literal Meaning
Whoever rubs against it gets stung by it.
Literal Breakdown
qui s'y frottewhoever rubs against it+s'y piquegets stung by it
◇ Mental Image
The image of someone touching or rubbing against something that causes them harm, like a thorny bush or a stinging insect.
◈ When to Use
A friend is considering getting involved in a heated argument between two coworkers. You might say, 'Ne t'en mêle pas, qui s'y frotte s'y pique,' to warn them that it could backfire.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects a practical and cautionary approach to life, common in French culture, where wisdom often comes from observing the consequences of actions.
informal

A warning that interfering in certain situations will lead to trouble or harm.

Il a essayé de s'immiscer dans leur dispute, mais comme dit le proverbe, qui s'y frotte s'y pique.

He tried to meddle in their argument, but as the saying goes, those who meddle get hurt.

This proverb is often used to discourage someone from getting involved in risky or complicated situations.

Related Phrases

mieux vaut éviter les ennuisproverb
it's better to avoid trouble

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this proverb when advising someone to stay out of a situation that could cause them harm.

Word Origin

The origin of this proverb is unclear, but it likely comes from rural or practical life, where touching certain plants or animals could result in injury.

Usage Notes

This expression is commonly used in informal contexts to warn someone about the consequences of meddling.

Word Breakdown

qui s'y frotte
who rubs against it
phrase
+
s'y pique
gets stung by it
phrase
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais