Proverb / Kotowaza
血で血を洗う
Responding to violence with further violence, or engaging in a brutal struggle between those closely related.
Washing blood with blood
Quick Answer
Responding to violence with further violence, or engaging in a brutal struggle between those closely related.
- Literal Image
- Washing blood with blood
- How to Use It
- Used to describe intense, brutal conflicts, especially those involving cycles of revenge, vendettas, or destructive infighting within a group.
Meaning
Just as washing blood with blood only makes a stain worse, this expression describes dealing with a crime or evil act by committing another. It specifically refers to cycles of violent retaliation or fierce conflicts between family members, compatriots, or members of the same organization.
Literal Image
Washing blood with blood
How to Use It
Used to describe intense, brutal conflicts, especially those involving cycles of revenge, vendettas, or destructive infighting within a group.
Tone
Highly serious and negative, can be used in contexts of tragedy or extreme power struggles.
Examples
両家の争いは血で血を洗う抗争にまで発展した。
The conflict between the two families escalated into a bloody struggle.
内部告発が引き金となり、社内は血で血を洗う権力闘争に明け暮れた。
Triggered by whistleblowing, the company was consumed by a brutal power struggle.
血で血を洗う報復の連鎖を断ち切ることこそ、真の平和への道だ。
Breaking the cycle of bloody retaliation is the true path to peace.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual words are simple, the metaphorical meaning and its use in literary or news contexts make it less transparent for beginners.
血
ち / chi
blood
洗う
あらう / arau
to wash
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very heavy expression; do not use it for minor disagreements or lighthearted arguments.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as a physical act of cleaning; it refers metaphorically to the futility and brutality of violence.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.