# one in the eye for

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/one-in-the-eye-for
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An event or achievement which is unpleasant for someone, especially for those who considered it impossible or unwelcome; an annoyance.

## Examples

- Winning the game was one in the eye for our rivals.
- Getting the promotion after the manager said I was unqualified was certainly one in the eye for him.
- The unexpected success of the small startup served as one in the eye for the industry giants who had dismissed the project as a failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.