ALL meanings of an eye for an eye
eye
A a - phrase an eye for an eye You say 'an eye for an eye' or 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' to refer to the idea that people should be punished according to the way in which they offended, for example if they hurt someone, they should be hurt equally badly in return. 3
- noun an eye for an eye retributive or vengeful justice; retaliation 3
- noun an eye for an eye punishment or retaliation similar or equivalent to the injury suffered 3
- noun plural an eye for an eye the organ of sight, in vertebrates typically one of a pair of spherical bodies contained in an orbit of the skull and in humans appearing externally as a dense, white, curved membrane, or sclera, surrounding a circular, colored portion, or iris, that is covered by a clear, curved membrane, or cornea, and in the center of which is an opening, or pupil, through which light passes to the retina. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the aggregate of structures situated within or near the orbit that assist, support, or protect the eye. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye this organ with respect to the color of the iris: blue eyes. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the region surrounding the eye: a black eye; puffy eyes. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye sight; vision: a sharp eye. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the power of seeing; appreciative or discriminating visual perception: the eye of an artist. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a look, glance, or gaze: to cast one's eye at a beautiful necklace. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye an attentive look, close observation, or watch: to be under the eye of a guard. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye regard, view, aim, or intention: to have an eye to one's own advantage. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a manner or way of looking at a thing; estimation; opinion: in the eyes of the law. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a center of light, intelligence, influence, etc. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye something resembling or suggesting the eye in appearance, shape, etc., as the opening in the lens of a camera, a peephole, or a buttonhole. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye Botany. the bud of a potato, Jerusalem artichoke, etc. a small, contrastingly colored part at the center of a flower. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the central spot of a target; bull's-eye. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a choice center cut of meat: an eye of round; the eye of the rib. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye one of the round spots on the tail feathers of a peacock. 1
- noun an eye for an eye revenge 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the hole in a needle. 1
- noun an eye for an eye justice 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a hole made in a thing for the insertion of some object, as the handle of a tool: the eye of an ax. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a metal or other ring through which something, as a rope or rod, is passed. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye the loop into which a hook is inserted. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye Electronics. a photoelectric cell or similar device used to perform a function analogous to visual inspection. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye Building Trades. a ring on the end of a tension member, as an eye bar or eye bolt, for connection with another member. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a hole formed during the maturation of cheese, especially Emmenthaler or Gruyère. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye a loop worked at the end of a rope. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye Meteorology. the approximately circular region of relatively light winds and fair weather found at the center of a severe tropical cyclone. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye eyes, Nautical. the extreme forward part of the upper deck at the bow of a vessel. 1
- noun plural an eye for an eye Nautical. the precise direction from which a wind is blowing. 1
- verb with object an eye for an eye to fix the eyes upon; view: to eye the wonders of nature. 1
- verb with object an eye for an eye to observe or watch narrowly: She eyed the two strangers with suspicion. 1
- verb with object an eye for an eye to make an eye in: to eye a needle. 1
- verb without object an eye for an eye Obsolete. to appear to the eye. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye an eye for an eye, repayment in kind, as revenge for an injustice. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye be all eyes, to give all one's attention to something; look intently. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye catch someone's eye, to draw or attract someone's attention: to catch the waiter's eye. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye give (someone) the eye, Informal. to look fixedly at (another person), especially with obvious admiration; ogle: She ignored the men who were giving her the eye. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye have an eye for, to have the ability to appreciate distinctions in; be discerning or perceptive about: She has an eye for antique furniture. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye have eyes only for, to want no other person or thing but: She was always surrounded by admirers, but she had eyes only for Harry. to see, or view, or desire to see only. Also, only have eyes for. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye in a pig's eye, Slang. absolutely not; never: In a pig's eye I will! 1
- idioms an eye for an eye keep an eye on, to watch over attentively: Please keep an eye on my plants while I'm away. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye keep an eye out for, to be vigilant in looking or watching for: The announcer told his listeners to keep an eye out for the escaped criminal. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye keep one's eye on the ball, to remain attentive; be especially alert. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye keep one's eyes open, to be especially alert or observant. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye lay / clap / set eyes on, Informal. to catch sight of; see: They had never laid eyes on such a big car before. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye make eyes at, to gaze flirtatiously or amorously at. 1
- idioms an eye for an eye my eye!, Informal. (a mild exclamation of contradiction or surprise): He says he wasn't told about this? My eye! 1