Meaning of the word "spare the rod and (you will) spoil the child" in English
What does "spare the rod and (you will) spoil the child" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
spare the rod and (you will) spoil the child
US /sper ðə rɑːd ænd juː wɪl spɔɪl ðə tʃaɪld/
UK /speə ðə rɒd ənd juː wɪl spɔɪl ðə tʃaɪld/
Idiom
if a child is not punished when they do something wrong, they will become spoiled or behave badly
Example:
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My grandmother believed in strict discipline; she always said, 'spare the rod and spoil the child.'
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Some parents still follow the old adage, spare the rod and spoil the child, while others prefer positive reinforcement.