You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar Examples
WouterThe proverb “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar” is an expression that suggests that kindness is preferable to cruelty. The phrase is most often used in reference to personal behavior within a social structure. It applies to both the positive and negative outcomes of a person’s actions.
While the proverb’s origin is largely unknown, it has become an enduring popular saying. It was first written as far back as 1666 and became more mainstream in 1744 when Benjamin Franklin included it in Poor Richard’s Almanac. Throughout history, honey has been used in fly trap bait. Its sticky, sweet, and salty qualities make it a good choice for catching insects.
When a fruit ripens, it releases a sour odor, which fruit flies recognize as rotten. Fruit flies are attracted to fruit that has low vinegar concentrations, and high vinegar concentrations denote rotten fruits. However, in the case of rotten fruit, the smell may be low, which indicates that the fruit is just ripe, but high levels indicate that it has spoiled. The difference in odor in honey and vinegar can be attributed to the different signaling mechanisms of the two odorants.
While vinegar isn’t a particularly tasty food, it does taste better when mixed with something else. But it can also be difficult to swallow, which makes it an unlikely candidate for attracting friends. As a result, the proverb “you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar examples” means that if you’re a nice person to others, you’re more likely to win them over.
