العين بالعين والسن بالسن
alaayn balaayn oalsn balsn
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
Signification
Retaliation or justice of an equal measure for an injury or wrongdoing.
Contexte culturel
The concept is known as 'Qisas.' While it allows for equal retaliation, the Quran strongly encourages 'Afw' (forgiveness) or 'Diyya' (compensation) as a more pious path. In tribal contexts, this phrase was a way to prevent total war between tribes by limiting the scope of revenge to the specific person who committed the crime. The phrase is a 'cliché' in revenge-themed movies (especially Upper Egyptian 'Sa'idi' dramas) to signal a blood feud. In cities like Beirut or Damascus, people might use the shorter 'wihde bi-wihde' (one for one) for lighthearted teasing, but 'Al-Ayn bi-l-ayn' remains strictly serious.
The 'Tooth' matters
In Arabic, 'Sinn' also means 'age.' However, in this proverb, it exclusively means 'tooth.' Don't get confused!
Too aggressive?
Be careful using this with native speakers; it can sound like you are declaring a personal war.
Signification
Retaliation or justice of an equal measure for an injury or wrongdoing.
The 'Tooth' matters
In Arabic, 'Sinn' also means 'age.' However, in this proverb, it exclusively means 'tooth.' Don't get confused!
Too aggressive?
Be careful using this with native speakers; it can sound like you are declaring a personal war.
The 'Bi' trick
Whenever you talk about 'this for that' in Arabic (buying, trading, or revenge), the preposition 'bi-' is your best friend.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
العين بالعين و... بالسن.
The full proverb is 'The eye for the eye and the tooth (السن) for the tooth.'
Which situation is appropriate for this phrase?
متى نقول 'العين بالعين'؟
The phrase is used for retaliation (returning harm with equal harm).
Match the Arabic word to its English meaning in the proverb.
Match the following:
These are the core vocabulary words associated with the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: لقد كسر خالد نافذتي! سامي: هل ستكسر نافذته؟ أحمد: نعم، ...
Ahmed is justifying his revenge using the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesالعين بالعين و... بالسن.
The full proverb is 'The eye for the eye and the tooth (السن) for the tooth.'
متى نقول 'العين بالعين'؟
The phrase is used for retaliation (returning harm with equal harm).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core vocabulary words associated with the phrase.
أحمد: لقد كسر خالد نافذتي! سامي: هل ستكسر نافذته؟ أحمد: نعم، ...
Ahmed is justifying his revenge using the proverb.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it appears in the Quran, but it is also used secularly as a general proverb about justice.
Yes, you can say it to mean you want your money back or equal compensation.
Proverbs use the singular to represent the category. One tooth for one tooth.
Yes, the Fusha (Modern Standard) version is understood everywhere, though dialects have their own versions.
A little bit, but it's still very common in news, TV, and serious arguments.
Expressions liées
البادئ أظلم
builds onThe one who starts the conflict is more to blame.
الجزاء من جنس العمل
similarThe punishment fits the crime.
العفو عند المقدرة
contrastForgiveness when one has the power to punish.
وحدة بوحدة
specialized formOne for one.
