💸 Payback in Their Own Coin: The Sweet Art of Revenge 💣
Definition
To repay in kind; take revenge. This term presumably once meant that repayment of a loan would be in exactly the same currency as had been lent.
Origin and Evolution
The expression dates back to Roman times (Plautus and Pliny were among the writers who used it), and by the sixteenth century, it had taken on a figurative meaning. George Chapman, in his play “The Widdowes Teares” (1612), aptly wrote: “I did but pay him in’s own coin.”
Related Terms and Idioms
- Tit for Tat: Equivalent retribution in kind.
- Eye for an Eye: Retributive justice.
- Fight Fire with Fire: Use the same methods as one’s opponent.
- Get Even: Retaliate to balance the score.
- Turnabout is Fair Play: The idea that one should follow the same rules that have been applied to oneself.
Synonyms
- Retaliate
- Requite
- Avenge
Antonyms
- Forgive
- Pardon
- Excuse
Humor-filled Quotes and Proverbs
- “Revenge is sweet and not fattening.” – Alfred Hitchcock
- “Living well is the best revenge.” – George Herbert
Literature and References
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare (famous for its themes of revenge)
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Bad Blood by Taylor Swift (song)
- A Little Revenge by Philip Carlo (book)
- Kill Bill by Quentin Tarantino (movie)
Inspirational Thought
“Remember: the best revenge is living a happy, fulfilling life devoid of petty vendettas.”
Fun and Quizzes
### Which of these phrases means to take revenge?
- [x] Payback in their own coin
- [ ] Chill like a cucumber
- [ ] Cook up a storm
- [ ] Beat around the bush
> **Explanation:** "Payback in their own coin" refers to taking revenge or repaying in kind, while the others don't.
### Which expression is synonymous with revenge?
- [ ] Water under the bridge
- [ ] Two peas in a pod
- [x] Tit for Tat
- [ ] On cloud nine
> **Explanation:** "Tit for Tat" is synonymous with revenge or retaliation, while the others aren't.
### True or False: "Eye for an Eye" means exact retribution
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** The phrase "Eye for an Eye" denotes exact, equivalent retribution.
Farewell! Keep enriching your word treasury while striking the perfect balance between wit and wisdom. Embrace the power of words, but wield them wisely.
Yours, V. Vindict Lawlor
