When knaves fall out, true men come by their goods.

When dishonest or unscrupulous people—called “knaves” in this older wording—turn against one another, their quarrel can reveal schemes or stolen property they had concealed. Honest people, termed “true men,” may then recover what was wrongfully taken.

The saying expresses the idea that wrongdoing may be exposed from within. Rivalry among people acting in bad faith can accidentally serve justice, though their quarrel is not presented as morally admirable or as an intentional effort to do right.

Use this proverb when a dispute among deceitful or corrupt participants exposes hidden misconduct and enables victims or other innocent parties to reclaim money, property, or rights. Its older terms refer to conduct—dishonesty and honesty—rather than endorsing stereotypes about particular kinds of people.