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Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth

What Does "Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" Mean?

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"Eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is an English idiom. It means "revenge or retaliation in kind."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" used in a sentence:
  • He lives by the principle of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'.
  • If we go by 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth', we will never find peace.
  • The feud continued with the mentality of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
meaning for eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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