- English translation
You may know of someone, but without close association, you do not truly know them.
- Literal wording
“Do you know so-and-so?” “Yes.” “Have you associated with him?” “No.” “Then you do not know him.”
- Meaning and lesson
A person cannot be genuinely known merely by being recognized or identified. Close, continuing association is what allows one to understand that person’s character.
The saying rebuts an assertion that someone is known when it is not based on personal association. It draws a line between familiarity with a person and knowledge gained through living or dealing closely with them.
- When it is used
Use it to temper a claim about someone’s character when the speaker has not known that person through close, sustained association. It emphasizes that real personal knowledge depends on direct familiarity over time.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: You may know of someone, but without close association, you do not truly know them.