eye for an eye, an

Revenge or retribution, repayment in kind. This term comes from Mosaic law as expressed in the books of Exodus and Deuteron- omy  (19:21): “Thine  eye  shall  not  pity, but  life  shall  for  life, eye  for  eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” The sentiment and wording were  repeated  in  the  Book  of  Leviticus  (24:20)  but  countermanded  in  the Gospel of St. Matthew (5:38–39), which tells us instead to TURN THE  OTHER CHEEK.