Two wrongs will not make a right.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Responding to a wrong with another wrong does not make the first one fair or repair it. Accountability should address the harm without repeating it.

What the words are saying

The saying rejects the idea that another person’s misconduct automatically gives you permission to behave the same way. Retaliation can spread the original injury, involve people who were not responsible or make a dispute harder to resolve. It can also distract from the evidence needed to challenge the first wrong. The proverb does not ask a harmed person to accept mistreatment quietly. Setting boundaries, seeking a remedy and insisting on consequences can be justified. Its focus is the difference between a proportionate response and copying the conduct you object to.

Everyday example

After a colleague takes credit for her work, an employee documents her contribution and raises it with the manager rather than falsifying the colleague’s report.

When to use it

Use it when revenge is being offered as a justification for further misconduct.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.