Tit for Tat: Even-Steven Responses and Fair Retaliations
Tit for Tat: Payment in kind; precise retaliation. Most authorities believe this expression was a corruption of “tip for tap,” meaning “a blow for a blow.” It was already in its current form in the sixteenth century. John Heywood’s Proverbs (1546) stated, “Senc tyt for tat (quoth I) on euen hand is set, Set the hares head against the goose ieblet,” and in his Spider and Flie (1556), “That is tit for tat in this altrication.”
Related Terms
- Eye for an eye: An exact punishment replicating the offense.
- Revenge: Retaliation without the need for exact equivalence.
- Retaliation: Returning like for like, particularly in response.
- Payback: Simple and often emotionally satisfying retribution.
Synonyms
- Quid pro quo
- Blow-for-blow
- Balanced scales
- Reciprocation
Antonyms
- Forgiveness
- Leniency
- Grace
- Pardoning
Humor-Filled Quote
“Everything earthly must be finally balanced by divine justice. This tit for tat urbanity is nothing but interstellar bureaucracy!” – Anon
Inspirational Books & Movies
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - A dramatic enactment of revenge and justice.
- Kill Bill: Vol 1 & 2 directed by Quentin Tarantino - A cinematic saga of a wronged woman seeking meticulous tit for tat.
- The Princess Bride by William Goldman - Beyond hilarious lines, the swordplay partially revolves around quid pro quo revenge.
Which of these is a real idiom?
- Tit for tat
- Pancakes for pancake
- Tiger for cow
- Chips for cookies
Explanation: “Tit for tat” is a well-known idiom signifying retaliation. The others? More appropriate to culinary confusion.
Which phrase means the same as ’tit for tat'?
- Quid pro quo
- Rock and roll
- Hit and miss
- Leap of faith
Explanation: “Quid pro quo” maintains the same essence of mutual exchange or retaliation.
True or False: ‘Eye for an eye’ is similar in meaning to ’tit for tat’
- True
- False
Explanation: Both expressions signify precise retaliation or equal recompense.
Which scenario illustrates ’tit for tat'?
- Offering cookies to a stranger
- Ignoring a rude remark
- Borrowing without returning
- Returning someone’s prank with one of equal mischief
Explanation: “Tit for tat” epitomizes evenly matched retaliation as demonstrated by pranks exchanged equally.
Which literature is commonly associated with themes of retribution?
- The Count of Monte Cristo
- Pride and Prejudice
- Little Women
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Explanation: Alexandre Dumas’ novel underscores the narrative’s focus on measured vengeance.
May you find a balance in all matters, ensuring fairness and justice, but not letting it consume the joy of giving. Keep the scales tipped towards compassion more than reprisal.
Farewell & Wisdom,
Lexi Wordsmith
