envy shoots at others and wounds (itself|herself)
1
used to suggest that envy can harm oneself more than the person one is envious of, emphasizing the negative impact of envy on personal well-being and success
The origin of the proverb "envy shoots at others and wounds itself" is believed to come from ancient times, with similar expressions appearing in Greek and Latin writings. The phrase suggests that envy, or jealousy of others, ultimately harms the person who feels it, rather than the person who is envied. It emphasizes that holding onto feelings of envy only causes inner suffering and damage to one's own well-being, rather than achieving any gain or benefit. The proverb is often used to remind people that jealousy is self-destructive and does not lead to happiness or success.
- The envious politician attacked his opponent with baseless accusations, not realizing that envy shoots at others and wounds itself, as his own reputation was tarnished in the process.