two wrongs do not make a right

Idioms  

1. A second misdeed or mistake does not cancel the first, as in Don't take his ball just because he took yours—two wrongs do not make a right. This proverbial adage sounds ancient but was first recorded in 1783, as Three wrongs will not make one right.

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Example Sentences

“Two wrongs do not make a right,” said Rep. Victoria Spartz, Indiana Republican and member of the Freedom Caucus.

From Washington Times

She added that vandalism that took place at the gallery shortly after the episode was “completely unacceptable and must stop — two wrongs do not make a right.”

From New York Times

“Likewise, the vandalism at Foster Gwin gallery is also completely unacceptable and must stop — two wrongs do not make a right.”

From Washington Times

“Unfortunately, it won’t. ‘Two wrongs do not make a right.’

From Washington Post

But, as the old saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right.

From Washington Post