an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth
'Ojo por ojo y diente por diente' is a phrase in Spanish, which is directly translated as 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' in English. It represents a principle of justice originating from Hammurabi's code, where the punishment should fit the crime and be exacted in a like manner - a harm in return for harm inflicted. While it can be seen as promoting retaliatory justice, the phrase is often used in discussions of ethical responses to wrongdoing.
The boss usually believes in the philosophy of 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'.
The example phrase refers to a situation where the boss, in his ideology or as his usual practice, believes in the principle of retributive justice represented by the proverb 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'.
'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth', was the president's response to the threats.
In this case, the president is using the proverb 'an eye for a eye and a tooth for a tooth' to express his intention to respond in kind to any threats received, indicating a policy of reprisal or equally reciprocal treatment if attacked.
David believes that 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth' is not the best way to resolve conflicts.
This phrase means that David disagrees with the strategy or belief that conflicts should be resolved in a retaliatory manner, as expressed by the proverb 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. He likely believes in a more peaceable or conciliatory manner of managing conflicts.