PhrasesHub

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

    Definitions

      • Retaliation or revenge
        To describe the idea of seeking retribution or justice through punishment that is equivalent to the harm inflicted upon oneself or others

      • Equality or fairness
        To convey the notion of balance or fairness in justice, where the punishment should match the crime in terms of severity

      • Proportional response
        To suggest that a response or action taken should be equivalent or proportionate to the harm or wrongdoing that was done

    Examples of An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

    • After the burglary, the victim demanded that the police bring the perpetrator to justice and make them pay for their crimes. She insisted that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth would be the only way to make her feel whole again.

      This idiom is a metaphorical expression that means retaliation in kind. It implies that if someone has wronged you, you should respond with an equal or similar punishment. However, in modern times, this idiom is often criticized as promoting violence and revenge, and many people advocate for more peaceful and restorative justice methods instead.

    • The politician's reputation was tarnished after a scandal broke out, and his opponents were quick to seize the opportunity to strike back. They retaliated with a barrage of insults and accusations, determined to make him suffer an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

      This idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where people seek revenge or retaliation for wrongs committed against them. In this context, it implies that the person is willing to go to great lengths to inflict harm on their enemy, even if it means causing them pain and suffering.

    • The CEO was furious when he discovered that his rival company had stolen his trade secrets. He vowed to get even, promising that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth would be his only response.

      This idiom is often used in business and corporate contexts to describe situations where companies engage in retaliatory tactics to harm their competitors. In this case, it implies that the CEO is willing to take extreme measures to protect his company's interests, even if it means causing harm to his rival.

    • The author's novel was criticized by a prominent literary critic, who accused it of being shallow and lacking in depth. The author responded by writing a scathing review of the critic's own work, determined to make him suffer an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

      This idiom can also be used in literary and artistic contexts to describe situations where people seek revenge or retaliation for negative criticism or reviews. In this case, it implies that the author is willing to respond in kind to the critic's criticism, hoping to inflict harm on him in return.

    • The athlete's performance suffered after a serious injury, causing him to fall behind in the rankings. He was determined to catch up and regain his position, promising that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth would be his only response.

      This idiom can also be used in sports and athletic contexts to describe situations where athletes seek revenge or retaliation for setbacks or injuries. In this case, it implies that the athlete is willing to work hard and train rigorously to catch up to his competitors, hoping to inflict harm on them in return for the harm they caused him.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is often used to express the idea of retaliation or revenge, where an individual seeks to inflict the same harm upon someone else that was inflicted upon them. It can also be used to convey the concept of equality or fairness in justice, emphasizing the idea that the punishment should match the crime. Additionally, the idiom can be interpreted as a call for a proportional response, suggesting that the action taken should be equivalent to the harm that was done.

    Origin of "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient civilizations, particularly the Code of Hammurabi from Babylonian law. This code included the principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," which was meant to ensure that punishments were not excessive or unjust. The concept was also mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

    The idiom has since been used in various cultures and languages, often with a similar meaning of seeking retribution or justice. In some cases, it has been used as a justification for revenge or retaliation, while in others it has been seen as a means of promoting fairness and balance in punishment. Today, the idiom is commonly used in everyday language to express the idea of getting even or seeking justice.