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laws catch flies, but let hornets go free
laws catch flies, but let hornets go free
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used to suggest that laws are often more effective at punishing small offenses and less influential individuals, while powerful or influential individuals may escape punishment
ProverbWhat is the origin of the proverb "laws catch flies, but let hornets go free" and when to use it?
The proverb "laws catch flies, but let hornets go free" originates from Jonathan Swift's satirical work, 'A Tritical Essay upon the Faculties of the Human Soul' (1707). It highlights the imbalance in how justice is administered, suggesting that the legal system tends to target the weak while allowing the powerful to evade punishment. The proverb serves as a reminder of the potential flaws in a system where justice is not applied equally to all.
Example
A homeless man was arrested for stealing a loaf of bread, but when a wealthy socialite was caught shoplifting expensive jewelry, she was let off with a warning.
