EYE FOR AN EYE Meaning and
Definition
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"Eye for an eye" is a phrase that signifies a principle of justice, often associated with retributive justice, that states that punishment should be proportionate to the offense committed. This concept comes from the ancient legal system known as lex talionis, an approach to justice based on retaliation and equal retribution. The phrase is derived from the Mosaic law found in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus and the Book of Leviticus.
In its literal interpretation, "eye for an eye" suggests that the consequences suffered by an individual who has committed an offense should mirror the harm caused to the victim. Essentially, this implies that the punishment should be equal in severity to the wrong committed.
Metaphorically, the phrase is often used to convey the idea of getting even, seeking revenge, or demanding retribution. It highlights the belief that a person who has experienced harm or injustice has the right to retaliate in a similar manner.
While the concept of "eye for an eye" acknowledges the idea of fairness and discourages excessive punishment, today it is primarily employed to illustrate the problematic nature of revenge and the cycle of violence it perpetuates. It is often contrasted with the concept of restorative justice, which promotes the idea of repairing the harm caused to victims and rehabilitating offenders, rather than focusing solely on retaliation.
Common Misspellings for EYE FOR AN EYE
- wye for an eye
- sye for an eye
- dye for an eye
- rye for an eye
- 4ye for an eye
- 3ye for an eye
- ete for an eye
- ege for an eye
- ehe for an eye
- eue for an eye
- e7e for an eye
- e6e for an eye
- eyw for an eye
- eys for an eye
- eyd for an eye
- eyr for an eye
- ey4 for an eye
- ey3 for an eye
- eye dor an eye
- eye cor an eye
Idioms with the word EYE FOR AN EYE
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take an eye for an eye
The idiom "take an eye for an eye" refers to the concept of seeking revenge or retaliation in a manner that mirrors the harm or injustice that was done. It is based on the principle of retributive justice, where the punishment is intended to be proportionate to the offense committed.
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An eye for an eye
The idiom "an eye for an eye" is derived from the ancient principle of justice and means that the punishment or retaliation for a wrongdoing should be equal or equivalent to the harm or offense committed. It suggests that one person's misconduct should be met with a reciprocal action or consequence.
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eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth).
The idiom "eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth)" is a principle or concept of justice that suggests the punishment for a wrongful act should be equivalent to the harm caused by that act. This idiom expresses the idea of retaliation or revenge that is proportional to the offense committed.
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an eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth)
The idiom "an eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth)" refers to the principle or concept of seeking retaliation or punishment that is equal to the harm or injury inflicted upon oneself. It suggests that the punishment inflicted upon someone should be proportionate to the offense they have committed.
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eye for an eye
"Eye for an eye" is a principle or code of justice that suggests that a punishment should be proportional to the offense or harm committed. It implies that retribution should be meted out in the same manner as the original wrongdoing.
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eye for an eye, an
The idiom "an eye for an eye" means the principle that a punishment should be equal or equivalent to the offense committed or that retribution should be proportional to the harm caused. It is often used to refer to the idea of seeking revenge or exacting justice in a reciprocal manner.
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an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
The idiom "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is a principle or code of behavior that suggests that punishment should be equivalent or proportionate to the harm or wrongdoing that has been committed. It is often used to justify revenge or retaliation in response to a perceived injustice.
