This proverb warns against friendships or relationships built on lies or dubious behaviors. Pretending to be someone or something we’re not to please others or hide our flaws is equivalent to ‘hiding under something foul-smelling’. The equivalent English proverb would be: ‘You can’t catch flies with vinegar’. Ultimately, it urges us to be genuine and honest in our relationships, because unstable or deceitful foundations will eventually be exposed.