hand it to someone
Concede their merit
To hand it to someone is to give them credit or acknowledge their achievement, often grudgingly: I have to hand it to her—she really pulled it off.
The phrase typically appears when admitting someone succeeded despite your doubts or preferences.
- commendExpress approval of
- congratulateExpress joy at success
- well doneThoroughly cooked, or congratulations
- acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth
- admireRegard with approval
fair play · pat on the back · hats off · appreciate · praise · shout-out · credit · recognize · applaud · standing ovation · salute · tip one's hat · kudos · honor · respect · validate · compliment · give credit