proverb · Words worth keeping
'Tis an ill dog that deserves not a bone.
'Tis an ill dog that deserves not a bone.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Even someone regarded unfavourably may deserve some recognition or kindness. The bone represents a modest good that should not be withheld without thought.
What the words are saying
The saying begins with the harsh judgment of an ill dog, then pushes against denying it every benefit. Its force can be read as a rebuke to an ungenerous attitude: finding fault with someone does not establish that nothing good is due to them. The smallness of the bone also matters, since the claim concerns at least a basic acknowledgement rather than unlimited reward. Applied to people, the image needs care; respect should not be made conditional on earning a token through obedience.
Everyday example
A manager acknowledges a useful contribution from a colleague with whom they have had disagreements.
When to use it
Use it to question a refusal to recognise any merit or extend any kindness.
What it does not mean
Calling people dogs is demeaning; recognition should not excuse harmful conduct.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 843 · Ill dog
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English