Turn the other cheek
verb phrase
To react calmly or not at all, when someone has insulted you or hurt you.
Although he was clearly upset by the critics, he turned the other cheek and continued his work.
Often appears as...
- he turns the other cheek
- she turned the other cheek
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To forgive someone who has done something wrong to you, and not try to punish them.
Despite the damage they caused, she decided to turn the other cheek and forgive them.
Often appears as...
- decide to turn the other cheek
- forced to turn the other cheek
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To react calmly or not at all, when someone has insulted you or hurt you.
Although he was clearly upset by the critics, he turned the other cheek and continued his work.
Often appears as...
- he turns the other cheek
- she turned the other cheek
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To forgive someone who has done something wrong to you, and not try to punish them.
Despite the damage they caused, she decided to turn the other cheek and forgive them.
Often appears as...
- decide to turn the other cheek
- forced to turn the other cheek
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Non-Violent Response
Used to express a deliberate choice to not react with aggression or revenge.
The teacher was harsh, but I chose to turn the other cheek.
Pro Tip 2/3Inner Strength
Shows emotional restraint and maturity in challenging situations.
After being insulted, he calmly turned the other cheek.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Escalation
Advises preventing a situation from becoming worse by not responding to provocation.
They yelled at me, but to avoid a fight, I turned the other cheek.
Pro Tip 1/3Non-Violent Response
Used to express a deliberate choice to not react with aggression or revenge.
The teacher was harsh, but I chose to turn the other cheek.
Pro Tip 2/3Inner Strength
Shows emotional restraint and maturity in challenging situations.
After being insulted, he calmly turned the other cheek.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Escalation
Advises preventing a situation from becoming worse by not responding to provocation.
They yelled at me, but to avoid a fight, I turned the other cheek.
Pro Tip 1/3Non-Violent Response
Used to express a deliberate choice to not react with aggression or revenge.
The teacher was harsh, but I chose to turn the other cheek.
Pro Tip 2/3Inner Strength
Shows emotional restraint and maturity in challenging situations.
After being insulted, he calmly turned the other cheek.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Escalation
Advises preventing a situation from becoming worse by not responding to provocation.
They yelled at me, but to avoid a fight, I turned the other cheek.
Never forget "Turn the other cheek"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension