Bedeutung
It is best to take revenge when one is calm, patient, and calculated.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In France, this proverb is deeply tied to the literary tradition of the 19th century, especially the works of Eugène Sue and Alexandre Dumas. It reflects a certain 'esprit' where intelligence and patience are valued over brute force. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but might be heard in more informal contexts with a slightly different accentuation. The 'coldness' is sometimes joked about in relation to the winter weather. In many Francophone African countries, proverbs about patience are very common. While this specific phrase is used, it often coexists with local proverbs about the 'slow pace of justice'. In international relations, French diplomats might use this phrase (or the concept) to describe 'long-term strategic positioning' against a rival nation.
Use it for 'Karma'
You can use this phrase even if you didn't personally take revenge, but 'life' or 'fate' did it for you after a long time.
Don't sound like a villain
Be careful using this in the first person ('Ma vengeance sera...') as it can make you sound genuinely threatening or scary.
Bedeutung
It is best to take revenge when one is calm, patient, and calculated.
Use it for 'Karma'
You can use this phrase even if you didn't personally take revenge, but 'life' or 'fate' did it for you after a long time.
Don't sound like a villain
Be careful using this in the first person ('Ma vengeance sera...') as it can make you sound genuinely threatening or scary.
The 'Served' vs 'Eaten' distinction
If you say 'servi froid', people will understand, but 'se mange froid' sounds much more native and literary.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
La vengeance est un ______ qui se mange ______.
The standard proverb uses 'plat' (dish) and 'froid' (cold).
Which sentence uses the proverb correctly in context?
Context: Someone stole your pen and you immediately took theirs back.
The 'cold dish' proverb requires a long wait, not an immediate reaction.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: 'Je ne peux pas croire qu'il t'ait volé ton idée ! Tu vas faire quoi ?' B: 'Rien pour l'instant. Je vais attendre qu'il présente le projet au grand patron, et là, je montrerai mes preuves. ________.'
B is planning a calculated, delayed response, which fits the proverb perfectly.
Match the situation to the most appropriate proverb.
A character in a novel waits 20 years to bankrupt the man who framed him.
The 20-year wait for a calculated strike is the definition of this proverb.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenLa vengeance est un ______ qui se mange ______.
The standard proverb uses 'plat' (dish) and 'froid' (cold).
Context: Someone stole your pen and you immediately took theirs back.
The 'cold dish' proverb requires a long wait, not an immediate reaction.
A: 'Je ne peux pas croire qu'il t'ait volé ton idée ! Tu vas faire quoi ?' B: 'Rien pour l'instant. Je vais attendre qu'il présente le projet au grand patron, et là, je montrerai mes preuves. ________.'
B is planning a calculated, delayed response, which fits the proverb perfectly.
A character in a novel waits 20 years to bankrupt the man who framed him.
The 20-year wait for a calculated strike is the definition of this proverb.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenYes, it is very common in movies, books, and even daily news when discussing politics or sports.
Only as a joke or a pun. It would imply an immediate, passionate revenge, but it's not a standard expression.
French often uses the reflexive 'se' to express a passive idea when describing how something is typically done.
It's not 'rude', but it is dark. It implies you are happy about someone else's misfortune.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Rira bien qui rira le dernier
similarHe who laughs last, laughs best.
Œil pour œil, dent pour dent
contrastAn eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Garder un chien de sa chienne
builds onTo hold a long-standing grudge.
Rendre la monnaie de sa pièce
similarTo pay someone back in their own coin.
