English Dictionary

live by the sword, die by the sword

ことわざ

比喩的用法

One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.

日本語の意味

暴力を用いる者は、最終的に暴力による報いを受ける。 / 暴力で生きる者は暴力で死ぬ、つまり平和的手段を選ぶことが最善である。

When local gang members threatened newcomers, an old police captain warned, 'live by the sword, die by the sword,' reminding them that violence begets violence.

地元のギャングが新入りを脅かしたとき、年配の警察署長は「暴力を振るう者は暴力で報いを受ける」と警告し、暴力は暴力を招くと注意した。

意味（1）

One who uses violence can expect a violent response; it is better to try to use peaceful means wherever possible.

意味（2）

(figuratively) One can expect dire outcomes from any vice; used to convey a sense that poetic justice is inevitable.

意味（3）

(figuratively) The means of one's success can become the means of one's downfall.

And in Dirk Diggler's most anguished scene, as he shouts at Jack Horner, I'm ready to shoot my scene RIGHT NOW! we learn that those who live by the sword can also die by it.

live by the sword （ canonical ）

die by the sword （ canonical ）