Al que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija
He who leans on a good tree, a good shade covers him
Signification
Seeking the company of good or influential people brings benefits.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, this proverb is often associated with the 'Siglo de Oro' literature and is seen as a piece of classic Castilian wisdom. It reflects a society where social standing was often determined by one's 'protector'. In Mexico, the proverb is widely used in political and business contexts to describe 'palancas' (leverage/connections). It's a pragmatic way of acknowledging that who you know matters. Argentines might use this proverb to discuss the importance of 'contactos' in a volatile economy. It's often used with a touch of irony or worldly-wise cynicism. In Colombia, it's a common piece of advice given by parents to children to ensure they choose friends from 'buenas familias' (good families).
Use it for Networking
This is the perfect phrase to use when explaining why you are attending a high-level conference or joining a prestigious club.
Don't over-use it
Proverbs are like salt; use them sparingly. If you use them in every sentence, you'll sound like a caricature of a Spanish peasant.
Signification
Seeking the company of good or influential people brings benefits.
Use it for Networking
This is the perfect phrase to use when explaining why you are attending a high-level conference or joining a prestigious club.
Don't over-use it
Proverbs are like salt; use them sparingly. If you use them in every sentence, you'll sound like a caricature of a Spanish peasant.
The 'Sancho Panza' Effect
Using this phrase shows a deep knowledge of Spanish culture and literature, as it's one of the most famous lines from Don Quijote.
Teste-toi
Completa el refrán con las palabras correctas.
Al que a buen ______ se arrima, buena ______ le cobija.
El refrán utiliza la metáfora del árbol y su sombra.
¿Qué significa este refrán?
Al que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija.
El refrán habla de los beneficios de las buenas influencias.
Completa el diálogo con el refrán adecuado.
—¿Por qué quieres trabajar en esa empresa tan prestigiosa aunque el sueldo sea bajo? —Porque...
El refrán justifica buscar la protección o el prestigio de una entidad mayor.
Empareja la situación con el refrán.
Un joven decide estudiar con los mejores alumnos de la clase para mejorar sus notas.
El joven busca la influencia positiva de los mejores alumnos.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAl que a buen ______ se arrima, buena ______ le cobija.
El refrán utiliza la metáfora del árbol y su sombra.
Al que a buen árbol se arrima, buena sombra le cobija.
El refrán habla de los beneficios de las buenas influencias.
—¿Por qué quieres trabajar en esa empresa tan prestigiosa aunque el sueldo sea bajo? —Porque...
El refrán justifica buscar la protección o el prestigio de una entidad mayor.
Un joven decide estudiar con los mejores alumnos de la clase para mejorar sus notas.
El joven busca la influencia positiva de los mejores alumnos.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsAs a verb ('cobijar'), it's mostly used in formal or literary contexts. As a noun ('cobija'), it means 'blanket' in many Latin American countries, but not in Spain.
Yes! Even though 'árbol' is masculine, the proverb is gender-neutral in its application. You don't change the words.
Both are used, but 'Al que' is the most traditional version because the 'A' marks the person receiving the action of being sheltered.
A little bit, but in a 'wise' way. It's like saying 'A stitch in time saves nine' in English.
Rarely. It almost always implies that the 'tree' is good (buen árbol). For negative influences, use 'Dime con quién andas...'.
Expressions liées
Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres
similarYour company defines your character.
El que anda con lobos, a aullar se enseña
similarYou adopt the habits of those you spend time with.
Más vale solo que mal acompañado
contrastIt's better to be alone than in bad company.
A buen hambre no hay pan duro
builds onWhen you are truly in need, you don't complain about the quality of help.
