“He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The proverb “He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword” means that those who use violence, aggression, or unethical means will ultimately face similar consequences themselves. It serves as a warning that engaging in harmful actions can lead to one’s own downfall through the same methods.
Tone Cautionary and moralistic
Where it comes from
This phrase originates from the Bible, specifically the Gospel of Matthew 26:52. During Jesus’s arrest, one of his disciples attempts to defend him with a sword, but Jesus says, “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” It emphasizes the principle that resorting to violence leads to destructive outcomes.
Examples
- The company built its success on suing its rivals, and in the end a lawsuit ruined it. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword.
- She believed in seeking revenge no matter the cost, but her actions ultimately backfired—just another case of live by the sword, die by the sword.
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