Meaning & Analysis
Literally, the phrase refers to being wounded by an arrow fletched with feathers from one's own body, such as a bird struck down by an arrow made with its own feathers.
Insights
Self-Inflicted Harm
The proverb symbolizes suffering harm or defeat through one's own resources, actions, or attributes—falling victim to what one has supplied, created, or enabled.
Consequences of One’s Own Actions
It warns that people often provide the very means for their downfall, whether through carelessness, pride, or shortsightedness, thus becoming architects of their own misfortune.
Irony of Reversal
The saying also points to the irony of being overcome or bested by what one thought to be an advantage or asset, especially when that advantage is turned against its original owner.
Classical and Fable Roots
The proverb’s origin traces to classical fable—an eagle lamenting being struck by an arrow made with its own feathers—evoking themes of tragic irony and poetic justice found in Aesop and other traditions.
Psychological Paradox
Psychologically, the saying reveals the human tendency to be undermined by one's own strengths or contributions—such as pride leading to downfall or trusted confidences turned into weapons.
Universal Moral Warning
Widely echoed in folk wisdom ('the fowler is caught in his own net'), the proverb delivers a universal warning about the unpredictable consequences of one’s actions, particularly when overconfidence or carelessness are involved.
Historical Relevance
The image was especially resonant in eras of chivalry and archery, when arrows and their making were part of everyday knowledge, giving the fable a vivid and accessible resonance.
Rhetorical Devices
Allusion
The phrase alludes directly to a well-known fable, enriching the proverb with narrative context and moral depth.
Irony
The central irony—being harmed by what is one’s own—gives the proverb both memorability and moral force.
Metaphor
Feathers, representing personal assets or contributions, and the arrow, representing harm or defeat, are woven together in a metaphor of reversal.
Transcription
Quotations
Nostris ipsorum alis capimur. We be taken with our owne fethers. This prouerbe ryseth of the fable that sheweth howe the Egle which was stryken through with an arowe, whan she saye the arowe made of byrdes fethers wherewith she was wounded, sayd. We be now caught not of others, but euen of our owne fethers. It is applyed vpon them whiche mynystre thoccasyon of theyr owne myschiefe and trouble.
That which greaueth me most, is that (as the Prouerbe saith) shee useth mine owne Fethers against me.
We are often Shot with Our Own Feathers.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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