qui s'y frotte s'y pique

/ki si fʁɔt s‿i pik/

proverb★Intermediate— those who meddle get hurt◆proverb

◆ 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.

Synonyms

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

qui s'y frotte s'y pique

/ki si fʁɔt s‿i pik/

proverb★Intermediate— those who meddle get hurt◆proverb

◆ 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.

Synonyms

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