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All Site ContentTaming of the ShrewAct 1Scene 1
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“put a finger in the eye”
Proverb
Act 1,
Scene 1
Lines 74-79

An explanation of the phrase “put a finger in the eye” in Act 1, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

Baptista

Gentlemen, that I may soon make good
What I have said — Bianca, get you in,    
And let it not displease thee, good Bianca,
For I will love thee ne'er the less, my girl.

Katherina

A pretty peat! It is best    
Put finger in the eye — and she knew why.    

To "put a finger in the eye" is proverbial for playing the victim. Katherina is sarcastically suggesting that Bianca put a finger in her eye to create some fake tears and thus generate some sympathy.