sow the wind, reap the whirlwind
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Every decision has consequences; a person's actions will come back to them; if one starts trouble or takes actions in spite of the discontent they cause, one will incur negative consequences.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Before the attack started, Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, decried efforts by his fellow Republicans to overturn the results of the election. But his eloquence was the very definition of a gesture both too little and too late. They who sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sow the wind, reap the whirlwind” mean?
Every decision has consequences; a person's actions will come back to them; if one starts trouble or takes actions in spite of the discontent they cause, one will incur negative consequences.
Is “sow the wind, reap the whirlwind” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.