he who sups with the devil should have a long spoon

The phrase "he who sups with the devil should have a long spoon" is an idiom that means if someone involves themselves with evil or corrupt individuals, they should be cautious and maintain a strong sense of self-protection. It implies that associating with evil or immoral actions can lead to negative consequences, and one should be careful to avoid being influenced or harmed by such associations. The phrase suggests that maintaining distance and protection are necessary when engaging with dangerous or unsavory characters.