proverb · Legacy record
He, who takes revenge for a small insult, will have a bigger one thrown at him.
He, who takes revenge for a small insult, will have a bigger one thrown at him.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes retaliation for a small insult invite a larger one. It warns about escalation between people answering hurt with more hurt.
What the words are saying
The growing insult creates a sequence rather than a measured prediction. A useful interpretation asks whether a proposed response will worsen a conflict while preserving the right to set boundaries or seek a remedy. The supplied certainty of a larger insult from the same person is not established by evidence.
Everyday example
Someone chooses a clear boundary or fair process rather than replying to an insult with another insult.
When to use it
Use it to discuss possible escalation with accountability retained.
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What it does not mean
No inevitable larger insult is established, and avoiding retaliation need not mean tolerating mistreatment.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 916; PDF page 128
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.