Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hinein

/veːɐ̯ ˈandɐnən aɪ̯nə ˈɡʁuːbə ɡʁɛːpt, fɛlt zɛlpst hɪnˈaɪ̯n/
proverb★Intermediate◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
Actions intended to harm others often result in harm to the perpetrator.
Literal Meaning
Whoever digs a pit for others will fall into it themselves.
Literal Breakdown
WerWho+anderenothers+eine Grubea pit+gräbtdigs+fälltfalls+selbstthemselves+hineininto it
◇ Mental Image
The image of someone digging a pit for others and then falling into it themselves, symbolizing the consequences of one's actions.
◈ When to Use
A parent might use this proverb to teach their child about the importance of honesty and kindness, explaining that lying or cheating will eventually lead to trouble.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb is rooted in the German cultural emphasis on moral responsibility and the belief that actions have consequences.
formal

This proverb warns that if you try to harm or deceive others, you will ultimately suffer the consequences yourself.

Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt, fällt selbst hinein – deshalb sollte man immer ehrlich sein.

What goes around comes around – that's why you should always be honest.

💡

This proverb is often used to caution against malicious actions or to explain why someone's own actions have led to their downfall.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Wie man in den Wald hineinruft, so schallt es herausproverb
Your actions will come back to you

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is often used in moral or ethical discussions, especially when advising against deceit or harm.

⚡Gold Rule

Moral Lesson

The proverb emphasizes that harmful actions often lead to self-inflicted consequences.

📖Word Origin

This proverb dates back to the 16th century and reflects the moral principle of karma or poetic justice.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is used in both formal and informal contexts to warn against harmful behavior or to explain why someone's actions have backfired.

Word Breakdown

Wer anderen eine Grube gräbt
Who digs a pit for others
phrase
+
fällt selbst hinein
falls into it themselves
phrase
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