el mal por mal

/el mal por mal/◆idiom

to retaliate with equal harm

No debemos responder al mal por mal; eso solo empeora las cosas.

We shouldn't respond to evil with evil; that only makes things worse.

◆ What It Really Means

The idea that responding to harm with harm is counterproductive and often worsens conflicts.

¶ Literal Meaning

Evil for evil

Literal Breakdown

el malevil or harm+porfor+malevil or harm

◇ Mental Image

A cycle of retaliation where harm begets more harm, creating an endless loop of conflict.

◈ When to Use

A parent advising their child not to retaliate against a bully, explaining that responding with violence will only lead to more violence.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase is rooted in ethical and religious teachings that emphasize forgiveness and non-retaliation as paths to peace.

informal

To respond to harm or wrongdoing with similar harm or wrongdoing, often escalating conflict rather than resolving it.

El gobierno decidió no caer en la trampa de responder al mal por mal.

The government decided not to fall into the trap of responding to evil with evil.

This phrase emphasizes the futility and counterproductiveness of retaliation.

Synonyms

responder con la misma moneda devolver el golpe

Antonyms

perdonar olvidar el pasado

revenge is a dish best served cold

Pro Tip

Avoiding conflict

Use this phrase to discourage retaliatory actions that could worsen a situation.

Gold Rule

Conflict resolution

This idiom highlights the importance of breaking cycles of retaliation to achieve peace.

Word Origin

Derived from the biblical principle of not retaliating with harm, often associated with Christian teachings on forgiveness.

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used to advise against revenge or escalation in conflicts.

Word Breakdown

el mal

evil or harm

root

por

for

preposition

mal