Live by the sword, die by the sword — Definition, examples and CEFR level

Definitions

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.
figuratively
The means of one's success can become the means of one's downfall.
figuratively

Equivalents

Čeština kdo s čím zachází, s tím také schází

Deutsch wer das Schwert nimmt, soll durch das Schwert umkommen

Español quien a hierro mata, a hierro muere

Suomi joka miekkaan tarttuu, se miekkaan hukkuu

Français qui vit par l'épée périra par l'épée

Italiano chi di spada ferisce, di spada perisce

한국어 칼로 흥한자는 칼로 망하리라.

Nederlands wie leeft bij het zwaard, zal sterven bij het zwaard

Polski kto mieczem wojuje, ten od miecza ginie

Português quem vive pela espada, morre pela espada

Русский кто с мечо́м к нам придёт, тот от меча́ и поги́бнет подня́вший меч от меча́ и поги́бнет

Tiếng Việt ác giả ác báo

Examples

“And in Dirk Diggler's most anguished scene, as he shouts at Jack Horner, "I'm ready to shoot my scene RIGHT NOW!" we learn that those who live by the sword can also die by it.”

“In the “live by the sword, die by the sword” category of ironic litigation, consider the fate of struggling hardware and software maker Sun Microsystems.”

““Before the contest, I tweeted ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword’,” he said. “I helped developing AI and I would be the one who would be the loser of the match. Although I won, in the end, for now.””

CEFR level

C2

Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.

Meaning of live by the sword, die by the sword | Babel Free

Definitions

Equivalents

Examples

CEFR level

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