Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er zelf in.
Those who plot against others hurt themselves.
Signification
Trying to harm others backfires.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people are generally direct. This proverb is often used in a slightly cynical way to point out poetic justice. In Belgium, this is also very common and carries the same moral weight. The proverb is recognized as a universal moral truth across Western cultures.
Focus on the 'ui'
The 'ui' sound is the hardest part. Practice saying 'kuil' slowly.
Don't over-use it
It is a strong proverb. Use it only when the situation is clearly malicious.
Signification
Trying to harm others backfires.
Focus on the 'ui'
The 'ui' sound is the hardest part. Practice saying 'kuil' slowly.
Don't over-use it
It is a strong proverb. Use it only when the situation is clearly malicious.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er ___ in.
The proverb emphasizes that the person who digs the pit is the one who falls in.
What does this proverb mean?
If you try to harm someone, what happens?
The proverb is a warning about the backfiring nature of malice.
Match the part of the proverb.
Wie een kuil graaft...
The standard form is 'Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'He tried to sabotage the project.' B: 'Well, ___.'
This fits the context of someone's sabotage failing.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er ___ in.
The proverb emphasizes that the person who digs the pit is the one who falls in.
If you try to harm someone, what happens?
The proverb is a warning about the backfiring nature of malice.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The standard form is 'Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander'.
A: 'He tried to sabotage the project.' B: 'Well, ___.'
This fits the context of someone's sabotage failing.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsNo, but it can be judgmental. Use it carefully.
No, it is too informal/proverbial for a formal interview.
No, it is almost always metaphorical.
To emphasize that the person who did the action is the victim.
Not really, this is the standard version.
Yes, it is very well-known.
Just say 'Wie een kuil graaft...' and people will understand.
Yes, it is a common moral lesson.
Expressions liées
Boontje komt om zijn loontje
similarYou get what you deserve.
Eigen schuld, dikke bult
similarIt's your own fault.
Wie wind zaait, zal storm oogsten
similarActions have consequences.
