What does this idiom mean Dance with the one who brought you to the dance?

Answer 1

see http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/Texas/entry/dance_with_the_one_who_brung_you_darrell_royal/

its an old Texas saying "Dance with the one that brung you" was a favorite expression of University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal. In sports, it means to go with the players and plays that result in wins. Molly Ivins wrote a book titled "You got to dance with them what brung you: politics in the Clinton years" (1998). Shania Twain recorded a song titled "Dance With the One That Brought You" (1993). The phrase was not coined by Darrell Royal. A song "I'm Going to Dance With the One Who Brung Me" was popular in the 1920s.

Speak Texan

in 30 minutes or less

by Lou Hudson

The Texas Twang Preservation Society

Fort Worth: The Great Texas Line

(no date)

Pg. 36:

You dance with them that brung ya.

-An old Texas expression of loyalty

Dance with the guy who brung you, the old expression goes. It's a pro football axiom. Translated, it means: Keep doing what has been successful for you.

Answer 2

"You dance with them what brung you" is an old saying which means it might be in your best interest to "Dance with"; or, go out of your way to show rightfully due gratitude and consideration, by your actions and words towards "them what brung you" or those who helped you, get where you are.

The implied wisdom of that homily or sermon being, if one fails to show that rightfully due gratitude and consideration by actions and words towards "them what brung you", you may not be there for the next dance and find yourself back where you were before.

Answer 3

It probably originally it meant exactly what it states. You should dance with the one that brought you to the dance, but it has evolved to mean to stay the course with the person(s), talent, process or system that got you here.

In interpersonal relationships it implies the importance of loyalty to your partner and not looking elsewhere for satisfaction - but rather working to build your existing relationship.

Answer 4

The idiom "Dance with the one who brings you to the dance" means that when a guy or girl agrees to go on a date, that person is your highest priority. You do not flirt with, dance with, go off with, or let yourself be distracted by anyone else you might happen to see there. Likewise, you don't ask for a date or accept a date just to go to the event in order to make someone else feel jealous or to get back at someone else. "You dance with the one who brings (brought you) to the dance" means you have ethics and morals, and keep your word to the person who accompanied you (to a dance; a party; a picnic; a movie; etc.)