return the compliment

Idioms and Phrases

Also, return the favor . Repay someone in kind, as in Her political opponent came out with a smear campaign, and she returned the compliment . Neither the compliment nor the favor in this idiom is necessarily desirable. [First half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

“And might I return the compliment?”

From Literature

He was happy to return the compliment.

From BBC

If you wish to return the compliment, blink and your cat might blink back.

From Scientific American

Prince Charles will return the compliment in a speech he makes at the handover ceremony on Monday evening.

From BBC

The leaders of France and Germany were happy to return the compliment.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• avenge
• get back at
• vindicate