get back at

Idioms and Phrases

Take revenge on, as in Watch out for Peter; he's sure to get back at you . Similarly, get one's own back means simply “get revenge,” as in She finally saw a chance to get her own back . The first expression dates from the late 1800s, the second from the early 1900s.

Example Sentences

That made the scientists wonder if Anchali was trying to get back at Mary by ruining her shower.

From NewsForKids.net

Offset and Cardi B might have gone their separate ways, after seven years of marriage, but the “Bodak Yellow” rapper said she would enlist her ex’s help to get back at the prank caller — with some stipulations.

From Los Angeles Times

County Labor Federation head Ron Herrera to get back at their adversaries.

From Los Angeles Times

“You kind of had to get back at some point.”

From Los Angeles Times

His wife did it to get back at one of their neighbors, he says.

From Slate