Revenge is a dish best served cold Meaning in English

expression

US

ri-VENJ iz uh DISH BEST SERVD KOLD

UK

ri-VENJ iz uh DISH BEST SERVD KOHD

Definition

This expression means that revenge is more satisfying if you wait and do not act immediately, but instead take your time to plan and strike back later.

Usage & Nuances

This is a proverb used in both formal and informal contexts, often as advice or observation. It suggests not acting in anger, but waiting for the right opportunity. Sometimes used in stories or movies about payback. Not taken literally; it's about patience and strategy.

• Spanish: la venganza es un plato que se sirve frío
• Portuguese (BR): vingança é um prato que se come frio
• Portuguese (PT): a vingança é um prato que se serve frio
• Chinese (Simplified): 报复最好是冷冷地进行
• Chinese (Traditional): 報復最好是冷冷地進行
• Hindi: बदला ठंडा लिया जाए तो अच्छा है
• Arabic: الانتقام طبق يُقدَّم بارداً
• Bengali: প্রতিশোধ ঠান্ডা মাথায় নেয়াই শ্রেয় - প্রতিশোধ ধৈর্যের সাথে নেওয়াই ভালো
• Russian: месть блюдо, которое подают холодным
• Japanese: 復讐は冷めてからが一番
• Vietnamese: Trả thù là món ngon khi để nguội
• Korean: 복수는 차갑게 할 때 더 달다 - 복수는 냉정하게 할수록 좋다
• Turkish: İntikam soğuk yenilen bir yemektir
• Urdu: انتقام ٹھنڈا ہو کر لینا ہی بہتر ہے
• Indonesian: balas dendam paling nikmat jika dilakukan dengan tenang

Example Sentences

My dad always says, "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

basic

He learned that revenge is a dish best served cold after being patient with his rival.

basic

Revenge is a dish best served cold means you get back at someone after waiting some time.

basic

After he lost his job unfairly, he waited. Later, he proved that revenge is a dish best served cold.

natural

You know what they say—revenge is a dish best served cold.

natural

She didn't react right away, because she believes that revenge is a dish best served cold.

natural