The episode examines expressions about responding to a wrong with an equal response, including “an eye for an eye,” “tit for tat,” and “settle the score.” It also introduces the saying “revenge is a dish best served cold.”

Cultural note: These phrases describe or criticize ideas about retaliation; they are not recommendations to harm someone. “An eye for an eye” has religious and legal history and may sound serious, while “tit for tat” is often used for reciprocal actions in disputes.

Keep exploringEnglish has several ways to describe payback, but they differ in tone and context. Notice which sound like proverbs and which are more conversational.

Phrase guide · 5 expressions

Explore the expressions

Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.

Equal responses

Describe one action returned in response to another.

Recognition caution

an eye for an eye

Meaning

The idea that a person who causes harm should receive an equal punishment or response.

Tone & use

A serious proverb with religious, historical, and legal associations. In everyday speech it can sound forceful; it describes a view of justice or revenge rather than endorsing it.

Example

“The novel asks whether an eye for an eye can ever repair the harm done to a family.”

NegativeSerious / proverbial

This phrase can refer to retaliation or punishment. Treat it as a concept to understand, not advice to harm someone.

tit for tat

Meaning

A series of actions in which each side responds to the other in a similar way.

Tone & use

Informal and often used for disputes, negotiations, or political disagreements. It can suggest a cycle of retaliation.

Example

“The two neighbors traded complaints in a tit-for-tat dispute over the shared driveway.”

NegativeInformal

be even

Meaning

Be in a position where neither person owes the other after a disagreement or exchange.

Tone & use

Common and conversational. It may mean a debt or score is balanced, not that a conflict has been repaired.

Example

“I covered your shift last Friday and you covered mine today, so we’re even.”

NeutralInformal

Revenge and resolution

Talk about payback carefully, including ways conflict may end.

settle the score

Meaning

Get even with someone for a past wrong or defeat.

Tone & use

Informal and often dramatic; common in sports stories and fiction. It can imply revenge, so avoid it when you mean a calm resolution.

Example

“After losing the first match, the visiting team hoped to settle the score in the rematch.”

NegativeInformal / dramatic

Recognition caution

revenge is a dish best served cold

Meaning

Some people believe retaliation is more satisfying when it is delayed and carefully planned.

Tone & use

A familiar saying, often used dramatically or jokingly in stories. It can sound threatening if used directly toward someone.

Example

“The detective in the comedy whispered, “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” then served the rival a bowl of chilled soup.”

NegativeDramatic / proverbial

Often associated with revenge. Use cautiously; it may sound like a threat when directed at someone.

Knowledge check

Try it

Choose the expression that best fits each situation.

Try it · Choose the best expression

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“An Eye for an Eye”: Payback and Equal Responses

Words and Their Stories · 4:25

Explore the expressions

Equal responses

an eye for an eye

tit for tat

be even

Revenge and resolution

settle the score

revenge is a dish best served cold

Try it

Two sides repeatedly respond to each other with similar actions, making a dispute continue. Which phrase fits?