Akademik

Грязью играть - руки марать
When you get involved in crime, vice, or other mean business, you become dishonest. See Не трись возле сажи - сам замараешься (H)
Cf: Не that has to do with what is foul never comes away clean (Br.). Не who scrubs every pig he sees will not long be clean himself (Br.). Не who touches pitch will get black (Am.). If you play with sand, you'll get dirty (Am.). Touch pitch and you'll be defiled (Am., Br.). Who deals in dirt has foul fingers (Am.)

Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. . 2013.