live by the sword, die by the sword love

live by the sword, die by the sword

Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • phrase One who uses violence can expect a violent response. It is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.
  • phrase figuratively One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey poetic justice.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

1611, King James Version of the Bible, Gospel of Matthew, 26:52

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