Quem com ferro fere, com ferro será ferido.
He who wounds with iron, with iron shall be wounded.
المعنى
Those who harm others will eventually experience similar harm themselves; karma.
خلفية ثقافية
In Brazil, the 'Lei do Retorno' is a very strong cultural concept. It's often used to explain why bad things happen to 'bad' people without needing to take personal revenge. In Portugal, the phrase carries a weight of 'Fado' (Fate). It suggests a solemn, inescapable destiny that is common in Portuguese literature and music. In Lusophone Africa, proverbs are central to oral tradition. This specific one is often used by elders to teach children about the importance of communal harmony. Because of the strong Catholic influence, many people view this proverb as a simplified version of divine justice, where God ensures balance.
Use it for 'Poetic Justice'
The best time to use this is when the punishment perfectly matches the crime. If a thief is robbed, it's the perfect moment.
Don't be too aggressive
This phrase can sound quite harsh. Use it with friends when gossiping, but be careful using it directly to someone's face unless you want a confrontation.
المعنى
Those who harm others will eventually experience similar harm themselves; karma.
Use it for 'Poetic Justice'
The best time to use this is when the punishment perfectly matches the crime. If a thief is robbed, it's the perfect moment.
Don't be too aggressive
This phrase can sound quite harsh. Use it with friends when gossiping, but be careful using it directly to someone's face unless you want a confrontation.
Brazilian Alternative
If you want to sound more like a local in Rio or São Paulo, use 'Aqui se faz, aqui se paga' for everyday situations.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Quem com ______ fere, com ferro será ______.
The standard proverb uses 'ferro' (iron) and 'ferido' (wounded).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: A hacker creates a virus to steal money, but the virus accidentally deletes all the hacker's own files.
The hacker's own 'weapon' (the virus) was used against them.
Choose the correct translation for: 'He who wounds with iron, with iron shall be wounded.'
Qual é a tradução correta?
This follows the standard word order of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'O João sempre foi rude com todos, e agora ninguém quer ajudá-lo.' B: 'Pois é, ______.'
The context describes someone facing the consequences of their bad behavior.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينQuem com ______ fere, com ferro será ______.
The standard proverb uses 'ferro' (iron) and 'ferido' (wounded).
Situation: A hacker creates a virus to steal money, but the virus accidentally deletes all the hacker's own files.
The hacker's own 'weapon' (the virus) was used against them.
Qual é a tradução correta?
This follows the standard word order of the proverb.
A: 'O João sempre foi rude com todos, e agora ninguém quer ajudá-lo.' B: 'Pois é, ______.'
The context describes someone facing the consequences of their bad behavior.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
4 أسئلةYes, very much so! It's a staple in news, literature, and daily conversation across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
It might sound a bit too dramatic for a game. It's better for moral issues or serious actions.
Literally 'iron', but it represents any weapon or tool used to cause harm.
It is always 'será ferido' (will be wounded).
عبارات ذات صلة
Aqui se faz, aqui se paga
synonymWhat is done here, is paid here.
O que vai, volta
similarWhat goes, comes back.
Quem semeia ventos, colhe tempestades
builds onHe who sows winds, reaps storms.
Olho por olho, dente por dente
contrastEye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.
