---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The hand that held the dagger has struck…"
description: "\"The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor.\" — Franklin D. Roosevelt"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c02/franklin-d-roosevelt-488_dagger_the-hand-that-held-the-dagger-has-struck_227953.jpg"
---

#  The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back…

![“The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor.” quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c02/franklin-d-roosevelt-488_dagger_the-hand-that-held-the-dagger-has-struck_227953.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c02/franklin-d-roosevelt-488_dagger_the-hand-that-held-the-dagger-has-struck_227953.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c02/franklin-d-roosevelt-488_dagger_the-hand-that-held-the-dagger-has-struck_227953.jpg)

> “The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor.”

[Franklin D. Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franklin-d-roosevelt/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The metaphor suggests that the same force that protects can also cause harm to others nearby.

**In simple terms:** Protection can turn into harm for neighbors.

Key Takeaway

Beware unintended consequences of protective actions.

Themes

power responsibility consequences conflict

Mood

cautious serious

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

- policy making
- military decisions
- community safety

Key Concepts

ethics leadership risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- What safeguards prevent collateral damage?
- How do we balance protection and harm?

A Different Perspective

Power can be misused unintentionally.

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## More by Franklin D. Roosevelt

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