- English translation
A person used to public shame no longer tries to avoid it.
- Literal wording
Whoever has grown accustomed to disgrace does not guard against it.
- Meaning and lesson
Repeated humiliation can blunt a person's sense of shame. Once disgrace has become familiar, the person may cease taking precautions to preserve dignity or reputation.
The saying is applied to someone who remains unmoved by embarrassing exposure because earlier incidents have made such censure feel ordinary. It conveys criticism of shamelessness acquired through habit.
- When it is used
Use it critically when someone appears indifferent to further embarrassment after becoming repeatedly exposed to blame or public humiliation. It can describe a loss of caution and concern for reputation rather than a single act of defiance.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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