live by the sword, die by the sword
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey a sense that poetic justice is inevitable.
Ai sống với thói xấu thì sẽ gặp kết quả khôn lường
Machine-translated — suggest a fix
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
The means of one's success can become the means of one's downfall.
Nguyên nhân thành công có thể trở thành nguyên nhân thất bại
Machine-translated — suggest a fix
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “live by the sword, die by the sword” mean?
One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.
Is “live by the sword, die by the sword” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.