Revenge a wrong by ignoring it.
Revenge a wrong by ignoring it.
Meaning in plain English
Ignoring a wrong is presented as a form of revenge. The saying replaces active retaliation with withholding attention or response.
Example
Someone declines an unproductive exchange while still taking an appropriate step to address the underlying concern.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A qualified interpretation does not require suppressing harm, denying a grievance or abandoning accountability. Choosing not to engage can sometimes serve a boundary, but other situations need support, reporting or a fair remedy. The wording gives no guarantee that nonresponse changes the person responsible.
When to use it
Use it critically to discuss nonretaliation with legitimate action retained.
Keep in mind
No universal remedy through ignoring or duty to conceal wrongdoing is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
United States · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 161; PDF page 20; collection label: United States
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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