live by the sword, die by the sword
Meanings
proverb
- One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.
- One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey a sense that poetic justice is inevitable.
- The means of one's success can become the means of one's downfall.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From the Bible, Matthew 26:52, where Jesus rebukes one of his disciples for having used his sword against a servant of the High Priest of Israel.
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