Bees vs Flies and honey.

[siCantikManis]

Hi,

Why do people say "You catch more flies with honey" and not "You catch more bees with honey"?

Many thanks,
Cantik
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Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.

[Yankee]

Hi Cantik

I'd say it's probably because flies are attracted by honey, whereas bees produce and store it.
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[siCantikManis]

Oh, that was enlightening!

Thanks!
_________________
Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.

[Skrej]

Hi Cantik,

The expression "You catch more flies with honey", is a shortened version of the proverb "You catch more flies with honey then with vinegar".

The idea here is that if you're trying to trap or catch a bunch of annoying pesky flies, you'll catch more of them by using honey (which is sweeter and more attractive) then vinegar (which is sour and repulsive) in your trap.

What it's actually saying, is that when you're trying to accomplish something, you'll have more success by using 'sweeter' (i.e. politer, nicer) methods than by being mean, rude, or cruel.

[siCantikManis]

Thanks Skrej, for taking the time to explain it to me. I was puzzled because I didn't think flies can ever be attracted to honey, only dirty things.

P/S: Cute cat! Really cute cat. The only cat I have is the earrings' holder! (my avatar)