PhrasesHub

Eye for an eye

    Definitions

      • Retaliation or revenge
        To seek retribution for a wrongdoing or harm that has been inflicted, usually in a similar or equal manner

      • Equal treatment or punishment
        To emphasize the belief that justice should be served fairly and equally, without any bias or favoritism

      • Justification for violence
        To justify the use of violence or aggression as a means of seeking justice or resolving conflicts

    Examples of Eye for an eye

    • John's business partner stole a large sum of money from him, and John wants to seek revenge by doing the same to his partner. This is an example of the idiom "eye for an eye."

      The phrase "eye for an eye" is an idiom that originated from the ancient principle of "lex talionis," which means "law of retaliation." It refers to the idea that a person should be punished in the same way that they have harmed someone else. In John's case, he is using this principle to seek revenge against his partner, but this can lead to a never-ending cycle of violence and harm. It's essential to consider other options for resolving conflicts without resorting to revenge.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "eye for an eye" is commonly used to refer to the concept of retaliation or revenge. It suggests that if someone causes harm or injury to another person, they should receive the same treatment in return. This meaning is rooted in the idea of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," which is a principle of strict justice found in many ancient legal systems.

    Additionally, the phrase can also imply the idea of equal treatment or punishment. It emphasizes the belief that justice should be served fairly and equally, without any bias or favoritism. In this sense, it promotes the concept of treating others as you would want to be treated.

    Lastly, the idiom can also be used to justify the use of violence or aggression as a means of seeking justice or resolving conflicts. This meaning is often seen in situations of war or conflict, where both sides believe they are justified in their actions because of past wrongdoings.

    Origin of "Eye for an eye"

    The phrase "eye for an eye" can be traced back to the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian law code from around 1754 BCE. The code is famous for its principle of retributive justice, which states that punishment should be equal to the harm caused. This principle was meant to prevent excessive punishment and discourage people from seeking revenge.

    The phrase was also mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Exodus. It was used as part of the laws given to the Israelites by Moses, and it became a common practice in many ancient societies.

    Today, the idiom is often used in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one. It is still a popular way of expressing the concept of justice and retaliation, but it is not necessarily seen as a literal guide for punishment.