One ill word asketh another.

Meaning: Harsh speech begets harsh response, creating cycles of escalating conflict rather than resolution.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Communication

• Jesting lies bring serious sorrows. — Careless humor that distorts truth erodes trust and eventually causes genuine pain to rel…
• Misunderstanding brings lies to town. — Unclear communication creates fertile ground where falsehoods spread and distort truth.
• Old saws speak the truth. — Time-tested sayings endure because experience has repeatedly proven their wisdom.
• Painted pictures are dead speakers. — Visual representations lack the power of living voice and direct human communication.
• Soft words butter no parsnips. — Gentle flattery alone cannot feed you; action and effort produce real, tangible results.
• Speak well of the dead. — Honoring those who've passed prevents spreading harm they can no longer defend themselves…

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