Meanings
Calque of Hebrew עין תחת עין (ayin tahat ayin), in reference to Exodus 21:23-25: "And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (King James Version; spelling modernized).[1]
How to pronounce "eye for an eye":
AU
Compensation for injury caused by a person, in the form of inflicting an identical injury on that person.
Example Sentences
1
In some societies, the concept of an eye for an eye is applied in the legal system.
2
The family demanded an eye for an eye after their son was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
3
Many argue that an eye for an eye mentality only perpetuates violence.
4
The victim's family sought revenge, believing in the principle of an eye for an eye.
5
The community rallied around the idea of an eye for an eye to ensure justice was served.
