Wisdom of the Day 22: El que roba al otro ladron tiene cien años de perdon

Question

Buenos Dias familia,

Back again with another Wisdom of the Day for y'all. So, for those who don't know, in this thread, we will discuss the proverb or expression, your understanding, and its translation. I also noticed some have even offered phrases that serve as synonyms, THAT'S GREAT! As well, pictures are always welcome! Your participation is what makes this fun and keeps the learning locomotive running.

"Él que roba al otro ladrón tiene cien años de perdón."

If you are brave, don't google for it, just try to guess or to find out using the dictionary what it might mean. We have many great resources to use with this that will really help you accerelate your learning. Let's see how you do, and no natives!!! (por favor)

Gracias usarenzo por tu ayuda con mi memoria mala de los acentos. =) - DJ_Huero, Mar 4, 2011

Vaya, tantas interpretaciones diferentes! - bomberapolaca, Mar 4, 2011

¿verdad? - DJ_Huero, Mar 4, 2011

Answer 1

I think what it is really saying is: if you steal from someone who steals, no crime is committed. You're both bad, in a sense, so no foul has been committed, to borrow from sporting parlance...

Oh, I've understood it in an exectly opposite way :P - bomberapolaca, Mar 4, 2011

Well, if you break it down, you're stealing from one who has already stolen, so both are equally culpable, as your act is no different than the initial perp...the two acts cancel each other, hence pardoned...it's no crime then to steal from 'un ladrón'... - cristalino, Mar 4, 2011

Good break down and explanation... and thanks for the funny pic. =) - DJ_Huero, Mar 5, 2011

Answer 2

He who steals from another thief gets a hundred years pardon.?

Answer 3

The one who robs from a robber is richly pardoned - for English alliteration.

I would tanslate it similar to others here

There is no honor ("honour" for you Brits out there) among thieves.

I couldn't think of it, but this is the correct corresponding English saying. - lorenzo9, Mar 4, 2011

Answer 4

He who robs another thief gets a 100 year pardon.

Answer 5

Kind of the reverse of you can't steal from an honest man.

Answer 6

A fresh new interpretation of "The enemy of my enemy is my friend" ... ?

Answer 7

When you do harm to your comrade, your are no longer comrades.

Interesting spin... - DJ_Huero, Mar 4, 2011

Answer 8

Revenge is sweet?

Good guess, but not quite... =) - DJ_Huero, Mar 4, 2011

Answer 9

Lorenzo's and Nancy's sound good to me. In English, He who laughs last, laughs best. Maybe..