Meaning of the word "make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you" in English

What does "make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you

US /meɪk jʊərˈsɛlf ɔːl ˈhʌni ænd ðə flaɪz wɪl dɪˈvaʊər juː/
UK /meɪk jɔːˈsɛlf ɔːl ˈhʌni ənd ðə flaɪz wɪl dɪˈvaʊə juː/
"make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you" picture

Idiom

if you are too kind or submissive, people will take advantage of you

Example:
You need to be firmer with your employees; make yourself all honey and the flies will devour you.
I learned the hard way that if you make yourself all honey, the flies will devour you in this business.