spare the rod

[ieasy]

hi,

What does the expression "spare the rod" mean?

[Mister Micawber]

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Spare the rod = refrain from using it (a thin stick used to cane children). It is most frequently used as shorthand for the full proverb: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child'.
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[ieasy]

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Spare the rod = refrain from using it (a thin stick used to cane children). It is most frequently used as shorthand for the full proverb: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child'.
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So, if I understand well, it means "do not batter"

[Mister Micawber]

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You must be careful with word differences: 'battering' is severe beating, and is cruel and a criminal offense. 'The rod' is corporal punishment for a misdeed by a child.
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[ieasy]

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You must be careful with word differences: 'battering' is severe beating, and is cruel and a criminal offense. 'The rod' is corporal punishment for a misdeed by a child.
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Thank you