an eye for an eye

1. The principle of justice that requires punishment equal in kind to the offense (not greater than the offense, as was frequently given in ancient times). Thus, if someone puts out another's eye, one of the offender's eyes should be put out. The principle is stated in the Book of Exodus as “Thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Jesus referred to this principle in the Sermon on the Mount, calling on his followers to turn the other cheek instead.

Idioms and Phrases

Punishment in which the offender suffers what the victim has suffered, exact retribution, as in Joe believed in an eye for an eye; stealing his client would have to be avenged. This idiom is a quotation from the Bible, which has “Life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Deuteronomy 19:21); the idea is contradicted in the New Testament (see turn the other cheek).

see eye for an eye.

Example Sentences

Asking players to realize that Abby’s reasons for killing him follows one of the oldest laws known to humankind, replacing an eye for an eye with a father’s life for a father, is difficult and a bit revolutionary.

From Salon

But Sheinbaum, who has championed a “cool headed” response to Trump’s provocations — and eschewed an “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” approach — refrained from imposing any additional duties on U.S. imports.

From Los Angeles Times

“We don’t believe in an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, because that always leads to a bad situation,” Sheinbaum told journalists at her daily news conference.

From Los Angeles Times

“I believe in an eye for an eye,” said Moore’s daughter, Rena MacNeil.

From Los Angeles Times

"An eye for an eye was used as justification to the jury for seeking the death penalty," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• reprisal 
• retribution 
• revenge