Give Them A Taste Of Their Own Medicine
"Give them a taste of their own medicine" is an idiom that means to treat someone the same way they have treated you, especially if it was harmful or unpleasant. This phrase is often used in daily conversations, and it's essential to know how to use it correctly. In this article, we'll explore the origin of this expression, its meaning, and how to use it in different situations.
The Origin of "Give Them A Taste Of Their Own Medicine"
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, who is considered the father of modern medicine. He believed in the concept of "like cures like," which means that a disease can be cured by giving the patient a small dose of a substance that causes similar symptoms. This principle is known as homeopathy and is still used in alternative medicine today.
In the 16th century, the English physician Thomas Elyot used a similar phrase in his book "The Castell of Health," where he wrote: "It is a common proverb that a man shall have need of his own wit to give his adversary a taste of his own medicine." This phrase evolved over time into the one we use today.
The Meaning of "Give Them A Taste Of Their Own Medicine"
The phrase "give them a taste of their own medicine" means to retaliate or respond to someone in the same way they have treated you, especially if it was harmful or unpleasant. It's a way of teaching the other person a lesson and making them understand the consequences of their actions.
For example, if someone spreads rumors about you, you can give them a taste of their own medicine by spreading rumors about them. Or if someone is always late for your appointments, you can give them a taste of their own medicine by showing up late for their appointments.
How to Use "Give Them A Taste Of Their Own Medicine"
"Give them a taste of their own medicine" is a versatile phrase that can be used in many situations. Here are some examples:
- If someone is always interrupting you during meetings, you can say: "I'm going to give them a taste of their own medicine and interrupt them during their next presentation."
- If someone is always criticizing your work, you can say: "I'm going to give them a taste of their own medicine and criticize their work in front of everyone."
- If someone is always borrowing money from you and not paying it back, you can say: "I'm going to give them a taste of their own medicine and borrow money from them without paying it back."
However, it's essential to use this phrase carefully and not escalate the situation. Retaliating with the same harmful or unpleasant behavior can lead to a never-ending cycle of revenge and negativity. It's better to use this phrase as a last resort and try to resolve the issue peacefully first.
Conclusion
"Give them a taste of their own medicine" is an idiom with a long history and a powerful meaning. It can be used in many situations to teach someone a lesson and make them understand the consequences of their actions. However, it's essential to use this phrase carefully and not escalate the situation. Remember that revenge is not the solution, and it's always better to resolve conflicts peacefully.