return the favor
Give back equally
To return the favor is to reciprocate a kindness or service someone has done for you.
The phrase implies balance—if someone helped you move, you might return the favor when they need a ride to the airport.
It can also be used ironically for reciprocating harm: After he spread rumors about me, I returned the favor.
- repayReturn money owed
- reciprocateReturn in kind
- tit for tatEquivalent retaliation
- even the scoreBalance a rivalry
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
pay back · gift · quid pro quo · give as good as one gets · requite · thank · owe you one · debt of gratitude · recompense · treat · give-and-take · mutuality · mutual aid · fair trade · good turn · good deed · reimburse · give back
- helpingaid, assist, give a hand, help, helping hand
- reciprocityreciprocity, likewise, mutual benefit, mutualism, two-way street
return the favorfreeload
Take without reciprocating
take for granted · mooch · one-way street · take advantage · leech
return, favor, returns, returned, returning, returnable, favors, favored, favoring