English idiom

tit for tat

Register · Informal CEFR B2

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Figurative meaning

an equivalent retaliation, an eye for an eye

Why this phrase?

The phrase probably began as 'tip for tap', a blow exchanged for a blow — equal retaliation for equal offence.

Example

“They banned our imports, so we responded tit for tat.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

a taste of your own medicine

The same unpleasant treatment that you have given to others.

fight fire with fire

to counter an opponent using the same methods they use

bury the hatchet

to reconcile with someone and bring a quarrel to an end

drive someone up the wall

to make someone feel extremely annoyed or frustrated

go with the flow

To adjust calmly to circumstances or prevailing behavior instead of resisting them.

kiss and make up

to reconcile and become friendly again after an argument

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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