दो मुक्के का जवाब एक

/doː mʊkːeː kaː d͡ʒəʋɑːb ek/idiom
tit for tat

उसने मुझे धक्का दिया, तो मैंने भी उसे दो मुक्के का जवाब एक दिया।

He pushed me, so I gave him a tit for tat.


What It Really Means
A retaliatory response that matches the harm or offense received, often used to describe a balanced reaction to provocation.
Literal Meaning
Two punches as an answer to one punch.
Literal Breakdown
दोtwo+मुक्केpunches+काof+जवाबanswer+एकone
Mental Image
The mental picture evoked is of two fists striking back in response to a single punch, symbolizing a direct and proportional retaliation.
When to Use
Imagine two colleagues in an office where one interrupts the other during a meeting. The interrupted colleague responds by interrupting the first person in a similar manner, demonstrating a 'tit for tat' response.
Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Hindi cultural principle of 'जैसे को तैसा' (like for like), which emphasizes fairness and reciprocity in conflicts. It is often cited in moral and ethical discussions about justice and retaliation.
informal

A retaliatory action that matches the harm or offense received, often used to describe a situation where one responds to aggression with equal aggression.

उसने मेरी बात काटी, तो मैंने भी दो मुक्के का जवाब एक दिया।

He interrupted me, so I gave him a tit for tat.

उसने मेरी गाड़ी खरोंची, तो मैंने भी दो मुक्के का जवाब एक दिया।

He scratched my car, so I gave him a tit for tat.

This idiom reflects the cultural concept of reciprocity in conflict resolution, often seen as a justified response to provocation.

Related Phrases

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This idiom reflects the Hindi cultural emphasis on fairness and reciprocity. It is often used to describe situations where one feels compelled to respond to an injustice with equal force, whether physical or verbal.

Gold Rule

Usage Scenario

Use this idiom when describing a situation where someone responds to an offense with an equal or proportional action. It is not limited to physical retaliation but can also apply to verbal disputes or professional conflicts.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal meaning of 'two punches for one punch' (दो मुक्के का जवाब एक), reflecting a direct retaliatory response in physical conflict. It has evolved into a metaphorical expression for any equal retaliation in non-physical conflicts.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe a balanced response to an offense. It is often employed to justify or explain one's actions in a dispute.

Word Breakdown

दो
two
numeral
+
मुक्के
punches
noun
+
का
of
postposition
+
जवाब
answer/response
noun
+
एक
one
numeral
हिन्दी-अंग्रेज़ी शब्दकोश