Colin Snow
The idiom Don't shit where you eat is often used to discourage people from having romantic relationships or affairs in the workplace. It is also used as a reminder to not cause trouble in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself. The idiom is considered crude but memorable, and its equivalent is used in Asia. Some alternatives to the idiom include Don't get your meat where you get your bread and Don't get your sugar and your bread at the same store.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Idiom |
| Meaning | One should not cause trouble, gossip, complain, argue with superiors, or have an affair in a place, group, or situation in which one regularly finds oneself. |
| Synonyms | Don't bite the hand that feeds you, Don't shit on your own doorstep, Don't get your meat where you get your bread, Don't get your sugar and your bread at the same store, Don't fish off the company pier, Don't dip your pen in the company ink/inkwell |
| Variations | Rabbits don't eat the grass by their burrows |
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What You'll Learn
Don't cause trouble where it can backfire on you
The idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is a variation of the more common phrase "Don't shit where you eat", which is used to advise against causing trouble in a familiar place or situation, as the consequences could negatively affect you.
This phrase is often used in the context of workplace affairs, where engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with a colleague could lead to awkwardness, conflict, or even termination if things go wrong. It can also apply to other workplace situations, such as gossiping, complaining, or arguing with the boss, which could jeopardize one's job and source of income.
The phrase can also be interpreted more broadly, warning against any form of trouble or wrongdoing in one's own neighbourhood or community. This could include criminal activities, taking advantage of others, or behaving rudely towards those who are helping you, which could lead to negative repercussions and a loss of reputation or goodwill.
The underlying message of the idiom is that one should avoid causing problems in one's own 'backyard', as the fallout could directly impact one's comfort, safety, or livelihood. It encourages discretion and caution, especially when one's actions could have negative consequences in the long run.
In summary, "Don't eat where you sleep" serves as a reminder to avoid creating trouble in familiar places or situations, as the blowback could ultimately affect one's well-being and peace of mind. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and not fouling one's own nest.
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Avoid office romance
The idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is similar to the phrase "Don't shit where you eat", which means that one should not cause trouble in a place or situation in which one regularly finds oneself. This is often interpreted as advice to avoid having a romantic relationship with a coworker.
Office romances can lead to unique risks and complications. Here are some reasons why you should avoid getting into a romantic relationship with a colleague:
Complications in Professional Interactions
Even something as small as catching your partner's eye in a meeting can make colleagues uncomfortable. When a relationship is struggling, personal conflicts can spill over into the workplace, impacting productivity and professional interactions.
Unprofessional Behaviour
Public displays of affection or intimate conversations over company-owned communication devices can be monitored by employers and are generally frowned upon. Such behaviour can lead to accusations of unprofessionalism and negatively impact your reputation in the workplace.
Accusations of Sexual Harassment
Workplace romances can lead to accusations of sexual harassment, especially if there is a power imbalance between the two parties involved. This can have serious consequences, including job loss.
Negative Impact on Career
Some companies have explicit policies prohibiting office romance or enforcing restrictive rules. Even without such policies, pursuing a relationship with a colleague can be risky, as it may lead to negative perceptions about your professionalism or result in favouritism or bias accusations.
Gossip and Rumours
Discretion is challenging to maintain in an office setting, and relationships can quickly become the topic of office gossip and rumours. This can impact not only the individuals involved but also those around them, creating an uncomfortable work environment.
While it is understandable that romances can develop in the workplace due to the amount of time spent together, it is essential to carefully consider the risks and potential challenges. If you still choose to pursue a relationship, ensure you understand your company's policy on workplace relationships and maintain professionalism in your conduct.
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Don't do burglaries in your neighbourhood
The idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is a variation of "Don't shit where you eat", which means that one should not cause trouble in a familiar place or situation. This idea can be applied to the context of burglary, where one should not commit crimes in their own neighbourhood.
Committing burglaries in your own neighbourhood can have several negative consequences. Firstly, it can damage your relationships with your neighbours and disrupt the sense of community. Neighbours are likely to be scared and upset after a burglary, and their sense of security and safety will be compromised. As such, it is important to support your neighbours and help them recover from the trauma. This can involve offering to help with clean-up and repairs, hosting fundraisers, or simply being there for them.
Secondly, committing burglaries in your own neighbourhood increases the chances of you being caught. Familiarity with the area and its residents can make it easier for you to be recognised or identified. Additionally, neighbours are more likely to look out for each other and take precautions to protect their community. This may include implementing community safety initiatives, such as a neighbourhood watch program, or simply keeping an eye on each other's homes and reporting any suspicious activity.
Thirdly, committing burglaries in your own neighbourhood can lead to a sense of fear and unease in the community. Instead of feeling safe and secure, residents may become anxious and paranoid, always looking over their shoulders. This can affect the overall quality of life in the neighbourhood and may even drive people to move elsewhere.
In conclusion, by refraining from committing burglaries in your own neighbourhood, you can maintain positive relationships with your neighbours, reduce the chances of being caught, and contribute to a sense of safety and well-being in your community. It is important to remember that while financial gain from burglary may be tempting, it is not worth the potential consequences and the negative impact it can have on those around you.
- Get to know your neighbours and look out for each other. Burglars are less likely to target areas where residents are vigilant and supportive of each other.
- Trim your landscaping to ensure burglars have fewer places to hide and can be easily seen if they approach a home.
- Install motion-sensor lights or keep outside lighting on all night to deter burglars who prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
- Always lock your doors and windows, even when you are home. Deadbolt locks are particularly effective in preventing forced entry.
- Be cautious when answering the door to unexpected visitors, and do not open the door if you feel unsafe. Speak to the person through the door and call the police if necessary.
- Avoid advertising your absence when going on vacation. Let your neighbours know so they can keep an eye on your home, and consider hiring a house sitter or using timers for lights and electronics to create the appearance of occupancy.
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Don't gossip, complain or argue with your boss
The idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is akin to the saying "Don't shit where you eat", which means one should not cause trouble in a place or situation where one regularly finds oneself. This is often interpreted as advice not to gossip, complain, or argue with your boss or colleagues in the workplace as it can often come to a bad end. Here are some reasons why:
Gossiping
Gossiping about your boss or coworkers is a fast path to being viewed as unprofessional, immature, and untrustworthy. It can also take a hit on team cohesion, morale, and productivity. If you indulge in gossip, you will not only get sidetracked from accomplishing your professional goals, but you will also get a reputation for being negative. It is better to focus on solutions to any issues you may have rather than engaging in gossip.
Complaining
Complaining about your boss or colleagues can be seen as rude and ungrateful, especially if you depend on them for your income. It is important to remember that your job is providing you with the means to live, so don't foul it up. Instead of complaining, try to focus on the positive aspects of your job and find ways to address any issues you may have constructively.
Arguing with your boss
Arguing with your boss can be seen as insubordinate and disrespectful. It is important to remember that your boss is your superior and, ultimately, the one making the decisions. While it is okay to disagree and provide alternative viewpoints, it should be done in a respectful and professional manner. Additionally, arguing with your boss can damage your working relationship and negatively impact your chances of advancement within the company.
In conclusion, it is generally advisable to avoid gossiping, complaining, or arguing with your boss or colleagues in the workplace. Doing so can cause trouble and negatively impact your reputation, relationships, and career prospects. Instead, focus on being professional, finding solutions to issues, and maintaining a positive and respectful work environment.
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Don't ruin relationships with those who help you
The idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is a variation of the more commonly used phrase "Don't shit where you eat". This idiom is often used to dissuade someone from starting a romantic relationship with a coworker. It is also used as a reminder to not cause trouble in a place or situation in which one frequently finds oneself. This could include not being rude or ruining relationships with those who are helping you.
For example, if you are rude or ungrateful to someone who is providing you with a service or assistance, you may be "biting the hand that feeds you". This could include being ungrateful to a friend who gives you a ride to work every day or being rude to a customer service representative who is trying to help you resolve an issue. It is important to maintain these relationships and not take advantage of those who are helping you, as it could lead to negative consequences for you in the future.
Another example is doing something illegal or unethical in your own neighborhood, such as committing burglaries or dealing drugs. This could ruin your relationships with your neighbors and make it difficult for you to feel safe and comfortable in your own home.
In a broader sense, the idiom can also be applied to not gossiping, complaining, or arguing with your boss at work. Your job is what provides you with an income, or "food", so it is important not to do anything that could jeopardize that. This could include not only romantic relationships with coworkers but also any behavior that could be considered foul play or cause trouble for you down the line.
Overall, the idiom "Don't eat where you sleep" is a reminder to maintain healthy relationships with those who help or provide for you and to not cause trouble for yourself in the future by ruining these relationships.
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Frequently asked questions
This idiom means that you should not do anything that could jeopardize your source of income or food.
The idiom is believed to have originated from the phrase "Don't shit where you eat", which uses crude language to emphasize the same message.
"Don't eat where you sleep" is often used to discourage workplace romances or affairs, which could lead to negative consequences and impact one's job or income.
Yes, similar idioms include "Don't get your meat where you get your bread" and "Don't fish off the company pier", which also convey the idea of avoiding romantic entanglements at work.
