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원수는 외나무다리에서 만난다 Wonsuneun Oenamudarieseo Mannanda - What goes around comes around.

 

📚 Korean Proverb

원수는 외나무다리에서 만난다

Romanization

Wonsuneun Oenamudarieseo Mannanda




🌟 English Hook

No matter how hard you try to avoid someone, life has a surprising way of bringing people together again. The world is smaller than we think.

🇺🇸 English Equivalent

What goes around comes around. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Closest Meaning)

Other Similar Expressions

  • It's a small world.

  • You never know who you'll meet again.

  • Fate has a funny way of bringing people together.

  • Be careful how you treat people.

📖 Literal Meaning

The proverb literally means "Enemies meet on a narrow wooden bridge."

An 외나무다리 (narrow wooden bridge) is so narrow that two people walking from opposite directions cannot easily pass each other.

If two enemies unexpectedly meet there, neither can avoid the encounter.

💡 Figurative Meaning

This proverb teaches that people cannot avoid each other forever.

Whether through fate, coincidence, or life's unexpected turns, those with unresolved conflicts often cross paths again.

It reminds us to treat others with respect because today's stranger—or enemy—may become tomorrow's colleague, customer, neighbor, or friend.

💬 Example Sentences

"He treated his former coworker badly, only to discover she was interviewing him for his next job. It's a small world."

"After years apart, the two rivals unexpectedly met at an international conference."

"Always leave relationships on good terms—you never know when you'll meet again."

🎓 Why Koreans Say This

In traditional Korea, villages were closely connected and travel routes were limited.

People who argued or became enemies often encountered each other again at markets, bridges, or village entrances.

The proverb became a timeless reminder that human relationships come full circle.

❤️ Life Lesson

Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Avoid burning bridges, because life often brings people back into your path.

Today's enemy may become tomorrow's greatest opportunity—or your closest ally.

🗣️ Learn Korean

원수 (Wonsu) = Enemy

외나무다리 (Oenamudari) = Narrow wooden bridge

에서 (Eseo) = At / On

만난다 (Mannanda) = Meet

⭐ Fun Fact

Before modern roads, narrow wooden bridges were common throughout Korea.

When two people met on one, someone usually had to step back—or both had to face each other directly.

That image became the perfect metaphor for unavoidable encounters in life.

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#️⃣ Hashtags

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