“Et tu, Brute” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

If you have ever heard someone use the term ‘et tu, Brute’ in a conversation, you may have wondered what it means. We are going to look at the meaning of this phrase and where the saying came from. We will also look at how the term can be used in a conversation.

“Et tu, Brute” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “Et tu, Brute” translates from Latin to “And you, Brutus?” The expression is used to convey a sense of shock or disbelief when someone unexpectedly betrays or turns against you, especially when that person is a friend or ally.
Et tu, Brute
Et tu, Brute – Created by 7ESL

“Et tu, Brute” Meaning

The phrase “Et tu, Brute?” translates from Latin to “And you, Brutus?” This expression is famously attributed to Julius Caesar in Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar.” It is spoken by Caesar when he recognizes his close friend Brutus among the conspirators who are assassinating him. The phrase conveys feelings of betrayal and shock, highlighting the deep sense of disappointment that someone trusted has turned against you.

Examples:

  • “When I found out my colleague had been spreading rumors about me, I felt like shouting, ‘Et tu, Brute?'”
  • “Seeing my best friend side with my rival in the competition was a classic case of ‘Et tu, Brute?'”

Origin of this Phrase

The idiom ‘et tu, Brute’ was originally written in the play Julius Caesar written by William Shakespeare in the 1500s. The words were spoken by Caesar when he saw that his friend was among the people who were killing him.

Usage of “Et tu, Brute”

  • In a personal context:

“When I learned that my best friend had revealed my secret, I felt like Julius Caesar, whispering ‘Et tu, Brute?'”

  • During a discussion about betrayal:

“After realizing that his closest ally had undermined him, he could only mutter, ‘Et tu, Brute,’ in disbelief.”

  • In a workplace scenario:

“Finding out that my colleague was the one who took credit for my project felt like an ‘Et tu, Brute’ moment.”

  • Talking about political betrayal:

“In the wake of the scandal, many supporters felt a sense of ‘Et tu, Brute’ as their favorite politician betrayed their trust.”

Related Terms to “Et tu, Brute”

  • Betrayal – the act of being disloyal or treacherous to someone who trusts you.
  • Backstab – to betray someone in a secretive or treacherous manner, especially when they least expect it.
  • Traitor – a person who betrays a friend, country, or principle.
  • Double-cross – to betray someone who has trusted you, especially in a deceptive manner.
  • Frenemy – a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry, indicating potential betrayal.
  • Disloyalty – the quality of being unfaithful or treacherous.
  • Stab in the back – a metaphor for betrayal, especially when it comes from someone considered a friend.
  • Broken trust – the situation when someone fails to uphold their commitments or loyalty to another.
  • Unfaithful – not loyal or true to a friend, partner, or cause.
  • Judas – a reference to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, often used to signify betrayal by someone close.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

If you are interested in conveying the meaning of the term ‘et tu, Brute’ in another way, here are some examples of how you might say it.

  • Traitor
  • Betrayal/betrayer

“Et tu, Brute” Examples

Examples in Statements

Here are some examples of how you would use the term in a statement. The first example is made by someone who has discovered their friend talking about them behind their back.

  • ‘Et tu, Brute? You are bad mouthing me as well.’

This next example is a statement where the person is showing surprise that their wife has taken part in him losing his job.

  • ‘So all of you have conspired to have me fired from my job, et tu, Brute?’

Conversation Examples

If you are curious as to how to use the term ‘et tu, Brute. in a conversation, here are some examples to show you how it would fit in. The first conversation is between two friends, one of whom is confessing to betraying their friend.

  • Person 1: “John and Maggie were saying awful things about you yesterday.”
  • Person 2: “Were they? I’m not surprised, they’ve never liked me.”
  • Person 1: “I have to confess, I said some things too.”
  • Person 2: “Et tu, Brute? I thought I could trust you.”

This next example shows a conversation in which two people are discovered taking their friend’s money.

  • Person 1: “Shh, be quiet, don’t let Andrew catch us in his wallet.”
  • Person 2: “He would be so upset, he calls me his best friend.”

*Andrew enters the room*

  • Andrew: “Et tu, Brute? How could you?”
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