proverb · Legacy record
The one who told you of the insult insulted you as well!
The one who told you of the insult insulted you as well!
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Repeating an insult described as insulting again gives the messenger’s words a possible harmful effect. The saying questions relaying a hurtful remark as if repetition were neutral.
What the words are saying
A responsible interpretation does not silence necessary reporting or assume every messenger intends harm. Context, consent and purpose matter: someone may need an accurate account to address mistreatment. A useful application distinguishes needless recirculation from supported communication that helps the affected person.
Everyday example
Someone asks whether repeating a cruel remark serves a necessary concern rather than sharing it for entertainment.
When to use it
Use it to discuss purposeful reporting without suppressing accountability.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No automatic wrongdoing in reporting harm or universal messenger intent is established.
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
Egypt
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 wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 626; PDF page 57; collection label: Egypt
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Egypt