Keep close to ink and you turn black.

— Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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A young bamboo shoot growing among mature bamboo in soft morning light. — AI-generated editorial illustration · Quotations

What does this proverb mean?

Close company can shape a person's character and conduct.

Sources and attribution

Unattributed Traditional proverb; individual author and earliest use unknown.

Source: National Institute of Korean Language — Korean Basic Dictionary , Korean Basic Dictionary, proverb: 먹을 가까이하면 검어진다

Origin: Korean proverb; individual author and earliest origin unknown

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Traditional Korean saying. English rendering and explanation by Quotations; not copied from the dictionary’s definitions. The reference documents usage, not first authorship.

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