And it is in this way that We cause the great ones in every land to become its [greatest] evildoers,109 there to weave their schemes: yet it is only against themselves that they scheme - and they perceive it not.
Asad Translation Note Number :
Because the consciousness of their importance makes them more or less impervious to criticism, the "great ones" are, as a rule, rather less inclined than other people to question the moral aspects of their own behaviour: and the resulting self-righteousness only too often causes them to commit grave misdeeds.
Malik Quran Translation
and that is why in every town We have placed the criminals as their ring leaders to plot therein, they plot against none but their own souls, though they do not perceive it.
Yusuf Ali Quran Translation
Thus have We placed leaders in every town its wicked men to plot (and burrow) therein: but they only plot against their own souls and they perceive it not.
Yusuf Ali Translation Note Number :
Mustafa Khattab Quran Translation
And so We have placed in every society the most wicked to conspire in it. Yet they plot only against themselves, but they fail to perceive it.
Mustafa Khattab Translation Note Number :
Piktal Quran Translation
And thus have We made in every city great ones of its wicked ones, that they should plot therein. They do but plot against themselves, though they perceive not.