Have you ever been told to be nice to others instead of being forceful or threatening? Have you ever been told that you can get more done with honey than with salt? What does honey have to do with catching flies?<\/p>\n
Why do we say that someone kind to others gets along better? And why does it work? The answer lies in our life experiences.<\/p>\n
We tend to associate kindness with being pleasant to others. That's why we often hear people saying, \"If you're nice to people, they'll like you.\" But what does the expression \"catch more flies with honey\" mean?<\/p>\n
To understand this idiom, let's dig into the details. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n
The expression you can catch more flies with honey means that in order to make peace, you should be nice. It is most often used when referring to personal behavior within a social structure. This expression is usually applied to people. For example, if you're trying to get someone to do something for you, you should be nice to them instead of being rude.<\/p>\n
The idiom is another way of teaching people to be kind and polite in their dealings. This can refer to customers, your boss, your spouse, or even total strangers. It is much easier to get people to do what you want, or at least listen to you if you are kind. Being condescending is rather abrasive and can turn people against you. Instead, use honey, or kind words and actions to further your goals.<\/p>\n