et tu
Even you, friend?
Et tu is Latin for "you too," used to express betrayal by someone trusted.
The phrase comes from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, where the dying Caesar says Et tu, Brute? upon seeing Brutus among his assassins.
In modern use, it's often invoked ironically when a friend or ally unexpectedly turns against you: Et tu? I thought you were on my side.
- et tu BruteLatin accusation of betrayal
- treasonBetraying one's nation
- BrutusRoman who killed Caesar
- Julius CaesarRoman dictator and general
- Roman SenateAncient legislature in togas
perfidy · shock · duplicity · best friend · grief · Roman Empire · tragedy · disbelief · indignation · Shakespeare · literary allusion · backstab · despair · conspiracy · last words · deceit · friend · assassination