Turn the other cheek

Cultural  

1. An adaptation of a command of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”; but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

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turn the other cheek Idioms  

1. Respond meekly or mildly to insult or injury without retaliating. For example, There's no point in arguing with that unreasonable supervisor; just turn the other cheek. This expression comes from the New Testament, in which Jesus tells his followers to love their enemies and offer their other cheek to those who have struck one cheek (Luke 6:29).

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To “turn the other cheek” is thus to accept injuries and not to seek revenge.

Example Sentences

“It’s a constant thing,” said Gude, who said that he instructs protesters to turn the other cheek.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2024

We understand how difficult it is for the faithful to tolerate and turn the other cheek.

From Washington Post • Feb. 12, 2023

“I see much more dismissal of Sermon on the Mount characteristics among some Christians than we would have seen before,” Moore said, referring to Jesus’ exhortation to turn the other cheek and love your enemies.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022

In his homily, Francis urged them to do good, and turn the other cheek, “even when evil is done to us.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 5, 2022

Though he was a preacher’s son, it was at school where he learned to turn the other cheek.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck