tit for tat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He praised Powell’s avoidance of engaging in tit for tat with the president.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

In this tit for tat, though, California’s threats to respond have thus far proved ineffectual.

From Slate • Aug. 19, 2025

Whatever the specifics of this latest tit for tat, there is a more fundamental priority for both sides: deterrence – a more solid certainty that strikes on its own soil will not happen again.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2024

It's a tit for tat, following fresh U.S. curbs on chip exports.

From Reuters • Oct. 20, 2023

After which I said, “Now, Murtagh, tit for tat; ye will be telling me one of the old stories of Finn-ma-Coul.”

From The Romany Rye a sequel to "Lavengro" by Watts-Dunton, Theodore