An old, widely used phrase expressing the sentiment that revenge that is delayed, and executed well after the heat of anger has dissipated, is more satisfying than revenge taken as an immediate act of rage.
It has been frequently been claimed on the Internet to have originated in the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. In truth, however, there are two problems with the widely circulated quotation from that book. The first is that the phrase does not appear in the novel, or anything else that de Lacois wrote. The second problem is that the French quotation used as proof is linguistically erroneous; de Lacois would never have written the words attributed to him. Thus it bears all the hallmarks of an Internet "fact" for which someone invented an authentication that seemed plausible, knowing that it would rarely be verified.
The phrase has been in use since at least the 19th century, and at least one author's use of it back then expressed to the reader that it was an already existing dictum.
Of course, how long ago it came into being in the Klingon Empire would be an interesting subject for xenolinguistic research.
It has been frequently been claimed on the Internet to have originated in the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. In truth, however, there are two problems with the widely circulated quotation from that book. The first is that the phrase does not appear in the novel, or anything else that de Lacois wrote. The second problem is that the French quotation used as proof is linguistically erroneous; de Lacois would never have written the words attributed to him. Thus it bears all the hallmarks of an Internet "fact" for which someone invented an authentication that seemed plausible, knowing that it would rarely be verified.
The phrase has been in use since at least the 19th century, and at least one author's use of it back then expressed to the reader that it was an already existing dictum.
Of course, how long ago it came into being in the Klingon Empire would be an interesting subject for xenolinguistic research.
"Kirk, old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'?"
– Khan Noonien Singh in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan"
– Khan Noonien Singh in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan"
by AkaSlasher July 4, 2015
Historians are not sure where the saying originated, but it means that revenge is best served not fresh after the insult occurred, but after enough time has passed so that the target won't see it coming.
Victim: "Why did you destroy my marriage? I thought we were BFFs."
Vindicator: "Because you stole my boyfriend back in the 6th grade."
Victim: "But that was 20 years ago!"
Vindicator: "Revenge is a dish best served cold, bitch."
Vindicator: "Because you stole my boyfriend back in the 6th grade."
Victim: "But that was 20 years ago!"
Vindicator: "Revenge is a dish best served cold, bitch."
by That handle is already in use November 24, 2014
Old saying from the Mafiosi in Sicily. Tells that the best payback is the one that comes with planning, and that brings the most horrendous pain to your enemies when they are not expecting and are just enjoying the fruits of all the dishonor they brought upon you. One must wait so he can really inflict pain to those who wronged him. Careful planing is necessary so your enemies will suffer terribly, but you won't be harmed by the Law or by your enemies' allies.
"After cutting the guy's arms with the chainsaw and throwing to the sharks, Joe tells him: 'La vendetta es una minestra che se mangia fredda, my friend, or Revenge is a dish best served cold. That bitch thought she would be happy with her HS sweetheart after stealing my money and send me to jail? Now she is going to know the pain of lose everything she loves...' He then pulls his Beretta and shoots the guy in the head"
by Don Materazzi March 20, 2009
A timeless Pashtun proverb. Although frequently claimed by Spanish, French and British imperialists, the proverb is as French as the Egyptian Obelisk in Place de la Concorde Paris. Synonymous with Pashtun culture and a definitive illustration of "Pashtunwali" or the Pashtun code of conduct. Revenge is a part of life for the Afghan people.
The proverb states that revenge is best served with a clear mind, not when you are hot with anger.
The proverb states that revenge is best served with a clear mind, not when you are hot with anger.
Pashtunwali guarantees the protection of the three Z's - Zan (woman), Zar (gold or property}, and Zamin (land). These are the most important assets to a Pashtun, especially the women. Insulting, sexually harassing, or molesting a Pashtun woman can mean ruin for the culprit and his family, as it's the most un-Pashtun act one can do. Violation of any of the three Z's can only be redressed by revenge taking (badlaa). A son can be killed for his father's crime, and vice-versa. This way, a single crime or act can lead to family feuds that may last generations. The phrase "Revenge is a dish best served cold" is of Pashtun origin, borrowed by the British and popularised in the West. -Encyclopedia
by ymzai1919 June 14, 2011
A common supervillain saying in soliloquies, meaning that reprisals against enemies, such as superheroes, should be delayed long after the original offense, until the enemies have forgotten them and relaxed security, not expecting an attack. It's origin is unknown, but has been quoted in movies such as Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, novels such as Mario Puzo's The Godfather, etc.
"Revenge is a dish best served cold," said Dr. Negative to himself, as he slouched on his throne and petted his cat with gloved hands.
by warriorprincess61 March 15, 2015
by Jeff May 16, 2004
First said by Pierre Ambroise Francois Choderios de LaClos (1741-1803). He originally said it in French in his 1782 book Les Liasons Dangereuses: "La vengeance est un plat qui se mange froid. Quoted in Kill Bill Vol. 1 as being an old Klingon Proverb
"Why did you brutally murder all of the people who killed your unborn baby?"
"Revenge is a dish best served cold"
"Revenge is a dish best served cold"
by ben dub January 2, 2007