| Robert Christy, comp. Proverbs, Maxims and Phrases of All Ages. 1887. | | | | Self-depreciation |
| | | He that makes himself a sheep shall be eaten by the wolf. | 1 |
| He that makes himself dirt is trod on by the swine. | 2 |
| He who lies down in the wash will be eaten by the swine. Dutch, Danish. | 3 |
| He who lies on the ground must expect to be trodden on. German. | 4 |
| He who makes a mouse of himself will be eaten by the cats. German. | 5 |
| He who makes himself a dove is eaten by the hawk. Italian. | 6 |
| He who makes himself a servant is expected to remain a servant. Italian. | 7 |
| He who makes himself honey will be eaten by the bees. German, Dutch. | 8 |
| He who makes himself nothing is nothing. German. | 9 |
| He who throws himself under the bench will be left to lie there. Danish. | 10 |
| Who lets another sit on his shoulder will soon have him on his head. German. | 11 |
| Who makes himself mutton the wolf eats. (Barbary States) Joel Barlow. | 12 |
| Who would not have feet set on his neck, let him not stoop. Italian. | 13 | | |
|
|
