an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

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an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

proverb Compensation or retribution that is (or should be) of an equal amount or degree to the injury or offense that was originally dealt. The saying comes from various passages in the Bible, including in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. I cannot be placated by paltry excuses of reparation! An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; this I demand from all who have wronged me.

See also: eye, tooth

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth

used to refer to the belief that retaliation in kind is the appropriate way to deal with an offence or crime.

This expression refers to the law of retribution as set out in the Old Testament (Exodus 21:24), known as lex talionis .

See also: and, eye, tooth

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017