give as good as one gets
Return every punch
To give as good as one gets is to respond to an attack or criticism with equal force—returning insults, blows, or arguments measure for measure.
The phrase implies someone who doesn't back down: She can give as good as she gets in any debate.
It suggests toughness and the refusal to be dominated.
- retaliateRespond to injury alike
- fight fire with fireCombat using identical methods
- get evenExact reciprocal harm
- eye for an eyePunishment matching the offense
- replyVerbal or written answer
counterattack · tit-for-tat · return the favor · quid pro quo · reciprocity · repartee · reprisal · fight back · hold one's own · respond · defend · banter · match · even the score · revenge · exchange · sparring · verbal sparring
reciprocal response to aggression/challenge
give as good as one getsturn the other cheek
Refuse to retaliate
suffer in silence · roll over · take it on the chin · grin and bear it · let it go