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tit for tat


tit for tat

\ˌtit-fər-ˈtat\

Definition of TIT FOR TAT

: an equivalent given in return (as for an injury) : retaliation in kind
tit–for–tat adjective

Origin of TIT FOR TAT

alteration of earlier tip for tap, from tip (blow) + for + tap
First Known Use: 1556

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